How to Save Money on a Road Trip: Money Saving Tips and Tricks
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Are you planning a road trip soon and looking for ways to save money? You’re in luck! In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks that will help you save money on everything from car camping to hotel stays. We’ll also help you plan your route in advance so that you can make the most of your travel budget. Let’s get started!
Why You Should Plan a Road Trip
Road trips are a great way to see the country and spend time with family or friends. Not only will you get to see some amazing scenery, but you’ll also have the opportunity to boost the local economy by spending your money at small businesses along the way. Plus, there’s no need to spend a fortune on your trip – with a little planning, you can easily save money on things like accommodations, food, and gas.
Where Should You Take a Road Trip
There are so many epic road trip options that sometimes picking one might be overwhelming. Looking for road trip suggestions? Here are some of the best road trip destinations in North America:
- The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
- Scenic Drives in Utah You Can’t Miss
- Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Road Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
- Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary
- Where to Stop on the Icefields Parkway (Canada)
How to Save Money on a Road Trip
Here are 9 of the best ways to save money on road trips so you can get to planning an epic adventure.
Plan Your Route in Advance
A road trip can be a great way to see the country and spend time with friends or family. However, it can also be a great drain on your wallet if you’re not careful. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to save money on a road trip. One of the best ways to save money is to plan your route in advance. This will help you avoid expensive toll roads and areas where gas, food, and accommodations are more expensive. You should also make sure to look for discounts on hotels and attractions along the way. Check out this post on how to plan a road trip for more information.
Choose a Cheap Car to Drive
There are a few easy ways that you can save money while planning your next road trip. One of the most important factors is choosing a vehicle with good gas mileage. Smaller cars and hybrids tend to be the most fuel-efficient options, but there are also now SUVs and trucks that get excellent gas mileage.
You may also opt to rent a vehicle that allows you to sleep inside the vehicle if you do not have one yourself. While this might be worse gas mileage than a sedan, it may still save you money in the long run due to reduced lodging costs.
Split costs with friends or family
Road trips can be expensive, especially if you’re footing the bill for gas, lodging, and food. One way to save money on a road trip is to split the costs with your travel companions. For example, you could take turns driving so that everyone has a chance to rest and share hotel rooms to keep lodging costs down. When it comes to food, you could take advantage of grocery stores and picnic areas instead of eating out for every meal. By splitting the cost of gas, lodging, and food, you can save money on a road trip without sacrificing your fun or your safety.
If you plan to do this, talk with your potential travel partners in advance to set expectations about travel styles to make sure you are aligned. If your travel partner is looking for a luxury vacation, it is unlikely that you would be saving money on your trip. When you talk about your plans for the trip with your travel partner, you can discuss proposed routes, trips, and activities.
Cut Down on Hotel Stays
A road trip is a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends. However, hotels can be expensive, especially if you are traveling with a large group. One way to save money on a road trip is to cut down on hotel stays by staying with family and friends. This will help you to save money on accommodations and maximize your time together. If you do have to stay in hotels, make sure to join the hotel loyalty program to earn points towards free stays to offset your future travel.
Another way to save money on a road trip is to maximize your car camping options. This means taking advantage of rest stops, campgrounds, and other places where you can set up camp for the night. By doing this, you can avoid costly hotel fees and enjoy the great outdoors. If you can’t stay in your car or van, make sure to bring a tent and sleeping bags. With some careful planning, you can save money on your next road trip without sacrificing comfort or fun.
Cook Your Own Meals
Any traveler knows that food can be one of the biggest expenses on a trip. Restaurants, after all, can add up quickly. But there are ways to save money on food while still enjoying yourself on the road. One way is to cook your own meals. This can be especially easy if you’re staying in accommodations with a kitchen, but even if you’re camping or staying in a hotel, it’s possible to find simple recipes that can be cooked in a microwave or on a portable stove.
Another way to save money on food is to bring your own snacks and drinks in a cooler. This way, you can avoid costly convenience store purchases and unhealthy fast-food options. And finally, don’t forget to take advantage of any free breakfast options that your accommodation may offer. By following these tips, you can enjoy great food without breaking the bank.
Find Free Attractions Along the Way
With a little planning, you can find free attractions along your route that will make your trip more enjoyable and help you save money. One way to find free attractions is to search online for “free things to do in (insert city).” This will give you a list of options for things to do that won’t cost you anything.
Another way to find free attractions is to ask locals for suggestions. When you stop for gas or food, strike up a conversation with the person behind the counter and see if they have any recommendations for free activities in the area.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of free attractions that are right in front of you, such as scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and public parks. By planning ahead and keeping an eye out for free activities, you can save money on your road trip without sacrificing fun.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Road trips are a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends. However, they can also be expensive. Gas, lodging, and food can all add up quickly. One way to save money on a road trip is to travel during off-peak times. Hotels and restaurants are typically less crowded and offer lower prices during slower periods. In addition, gas prices tend to be lower when demand is lower. Traveling during the shoulder season or weekdays can help you save money without sacrificing your plans. With a little planning, you can enjoy a budget-friendly road trip that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Use Gasbuddy
If you’re planning a road trip, one of the best ways to save money is to use a gas station finder like GasBuddy or Google Maps. These apps can help you locate nearby gas stations and compare prices, so you can find the cheapest option available. Additionally, many gas stations offer discounts for cash or credit card payments, so be sure to ask about these before filling up. By taking a few minutes to do some research, you can easily save money on gas and make your road trip more affordable.
Bring Your Own Entertainment
Finally, if you are traveling with children, consider bringing along some activities that they can do in the car. This can help to keep them entertained and can prevent them from getting bored and restless during long drives. Even without kids, make sure to have audiobooks ready to go and some epic playlists so the adults avoid boredom as well.
How to Save Money on a Road Trip
Taking a road trip doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways to save money on your next adventure. By following these simple tips, you can stretch your travel budget and see more of the country without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!
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Andrea Cannon is a pharmacist, triathlete, gratitude practicer, and avid traveler. For both business and pleasure, she has taken more than 250 flights yearly for the past 3 years. In addition to being a travel hacking enthusiast, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband (Austin) and dog (Dex). You can connect with her via her blog www.beaUTAHfulworld.com or on Instagram @andreafcannon .