Question

Shasha lives 1,493 miles from her

Answer 1

Pretend you're in mathland.
No words.
Whatcha see?
1,493 and 4.
Now, excuse me as I sneak in some words secretly.
1,493 MILES.
4 ROUND TRIPS.

Round trip -- To AND back

So, that would be 1,493 x 2.

2986.

2986 times 4 is what? 
11944 miles!

Wow.
you're making a trip 3/4 of the USA to see your grandmother. 8 times, to and back. Aye.