We also drive longer distances now to avoid air travel with its cramped economy sections and the hassles of security and having to be at the airport 2 or 3 hours ahead of flight time. We will also consider taking the train when it is available.
Since we now don't have time constraints, we usually drive to the southern USA in winter, spending a couple nights on the road each way. Of course, we have always enjoyed road trips, so I guess that helps. We have the luxury of taking more things with us, especially when staying in timeshares or condos. We also have the use of our own car, which is better-equipped and more comfortable than the average rental vehicle. Finally, we save the cost of a car rental and the airfare, so that helps, too.
Flying, unless flying in first class, has ceased to be fun. We place comfort and convenience well ahead of a low price, but I guess that we are fortunate enough to be able to choose. When we do fly, if it is much more than an hour in the air, we will almost always pay to upgrade to at least premium economy for the extra space and perks. We just figure we are paying the fare we would have paid anyway, if prices had increased with inflation from the old days.