In the 2024 Spring Festival travel tide, we noticed an interesting phenomenon: although international and domestic air tickets** are more affordable than in previous years, a large number of people still choose to drive home for the Chinese New Year by car across 2,000 kilometers or more. This phenomenon contains complex social psychology, personal emotions and practical considerations, and also constitutes a unique cultural landscape of China's Spring Festival.
First of all, although airfare** is relatively cheap, for some families, the expenses during the Spring Festival are often all-encompassing, and driving home can save on other expenses besides transportation, such as airport transfers, excess luggage fees, and other additional expenses. At the same time, self-driving cars can carry a large number of New Year's goods and gifts, especially for those who live in the city and have a remote hometown, which is undoubtedly one of the most convenient ways.
Secondly, the Spring Festival is a symbol of reunion, and the process of returning home is itself a ritualistic experience. Driving home along the way, you can enjoy the great rivers and mountains of the motherland, and the customs and various episodes on the way have become the common memory of the family. In addition, long-distance driving is also a challenge and fun for many people, especially when several friends or family members are traveling together, and the mutual companionship and rotation of the journey not only enhances the family and friendship, but also makes the journey home more vivid and memorable.
In addition, although flight resources have increased during the Spring Festival, it is still difficult to find tickets for popular routes, and they are greatly affected by weather and other factors. In contrast, self-driving travel is more flexible, not limited by specific schedules, and more able to adapt to various unexpected situations that may arise during the Spring Festival travel period. Especially in the context of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control, self-driving travel also has the advantage of reducing the risk of contact.
In addition, there are some special circumstances, such as families who need to bring pets, or like the takeaway brother mentioned in the news report, choose to ride an electric car across 2,000 kilometers home due to economic conditions and personal special circumstances, which highlights people's persistent pursuit of home and perseverance.
In the 2024 Spring Festival, even if the air ticket becomes more affordable, people still insist on driving 2,000 kilometers home, because they weigh various factors and make the best decision, which not only meets practical needs, but also satisfies emotional sustenance and expectations. Every arduous and happy return journey is the most affectionate call to home, and it is also a profound embodiment of the spiritual connotation of traditional Chinese festivals.