I went last fall just 3 hrs away to see my folks. My husband had a fit -wouldn't talk for several days. When he calmed down, I told him they are 82 yrs old and 3 hrs didn't use tons of gas and that even if he stays mad, I was glad I went. When the kids were little and money was tight, we used to take along instant oatmeal and fruit bars -that was our meals. The point was to see the places, not the dining out.