Leisurely travels can cost an arm and a foot if not carefully planned, so here are some helpful tips for creating a budget-friendly road trip experience. Whether it’s a solo trip, with a partner, or with the entire family, these tips have you covered.
1. Try to Estimate the Potential Cost of the Road Trip
Knowing the depth of a water body before diving into it is usually advisable. Similarly, the wise thing to do before a road trip is to count the cost. Some questions that might help you make a rough sketch of impending costs are:
- Where am I visiting for the road trip?
- How far will I have to travel to get to my destination?
- How long will I be away?
- What is the headcount on this trip?
- What accommodation type would work best for me?
2. Prepare to Save Money Even Before the Trip Begins
It takes intentionality to save money on a road trip. However, without preparing yourself in advance, it is easy for expenses to spin out of control. Now that you have an idea of what the road trip might cost work towards whittling down some expenses.
- Make a budget for all foreseeable expenses.
- Don’t stop with the budget; track expenses as the trip proceeds.
- Plan to travel on off-peak traffic days.
- Popular tourist attractions often come with huge sticker prices, so avoid them.
3. Park Smart to Save Big on Gears
Ensure everything that goes with you on the road trip is absolutely necessary. If not, ditch it. You’re better off renting gear like kayaks and bikes at the trip destination. Also, remember to check the weather forecast for the area you’re visiting. Finally, don’t get lured into buying specialty gear during the trip unless you planned it from the onset.
4. Leverage Opportunities to Save Up on Fuel
Search out gas stations with the cheapest fuel prices on Google Maps before leaving home. Going easy on the gas pedal could also help save up on gas and also allow you to enjoy the sights. It needs no saying that your vehicle needs to be in prime condition before the trip commences. Finally, if you’ll be making in-city detours during your trip, consider parking in a free and safe lot and using public transit.
5. Consider Local and Familiar Routes
If you have very little time for the research and background checks required to plan a cost-saving trip, going to a seldom-frequented local attraction could do the trick. You would be surprised by how little you know about your state or city when you choose to tour local attractions or even back roads.
ALSO READ: 25 Budget-Friendly Girls’ Trip Ideas For Your Next Getaway
6. Put Food Expenses in Check
Where possible, prepare to cook your own meals and save hundreds of dollars. The road trip may take you through the suburbs. Endeavor to patronize local farmers for fresh and cheap food and discount-offering grocery chains.
If the hotel you’re staying in offers free breakfasts and snacks, by all means, take it to cut your food expenses. Likewise, an Airbnb with a kitchenette is a good excuse to cook delicious meals for yourself.
Finally, avoid coffee stops and pack some before leaving home. Also, avoid buying soda piecemeal and travel with refillable water bottles to collect water at fuel stops.
7. Save Money on Road Trip Accommodations
If you have a camper van, don’t leave it to gather dust in the garage, except traveling without it will be cheaper. If you travel with your offroader or camper, look for free campsites to stay at. A camper is acclaimed to be the cheapest way to travel cross-country with family.
If camping does not seem like a good idea, you will have to stay in temporary accommodations like hotels and Airbnb. In such situations, you can look online for good bargains by comparing prices.
8. Use Cheap Entertainment Attractions
Inexpensive road trips also need fun sources of entertainment beyond putting rubber on the road. However, no rule book says fun entertainment has to be expensive; indeed, it could even be free. Summarily, hunt for opportunities to cut out as many expenses from your budget as possible.
So, check online for happy hours close to your road trip destination. If your trip takes you to places like Tampa Valley, a visit to local wineries that admit visitors could net you a free taste of quality wine.
Also, take advantage of free entertainment like library visits, free concerts, museums, and parades.
9. Get a Roadside Assistance Membership
Even when your vehicle is in pristine condition, mechanical faults may still pop up during a road trip. So, having a reliable roadside assistance membership could be a real lifesaver. Besides, you save money by not incurring the expense of calling an independent mechanic.
ALSO READ: 25 Exciting Girls’ Trip Ideas That Do Not Require You To Break the Bank
10. Make a Detour to Visit Family and Friends on Your Chosen Trail
Also, it is not impossible to have friends or relatives living close to your destination; boarding up with them will save some tangible cost. Besides offering relief from the shock of losing homely comforts, they equally get to offer tips on local attractions and event recommendations. However, remember to be an amenable guest, help out where you can, carry your own weight, and don’t overstay your welcome.
So, there you have it! We know you have gleaned a few things after reading through. How about using these tips to create a budget-friendly trip soon?