The American road trip is a right of passage for many families. But with rising costs it takes some planning.
Hotels are hard on the wallet, and so are meals, fuel and attractions. So how can a family enjoy the great American road trip without spending an arm and a leg?
Here are 10 tips for the savings savvy road trip:
Believe it or not, the smaller the car, the more a road trip will cost you. While larger vehicles eat more gas, they make up for the expense by allowing you to bring extra items. Camping supplies, snacks and a cooler will end up saving you more than you will spend on fuel.
Tent camping or boondocking (if you have an RV) will save you a bundle. The average hotel for a family of four will cost $100 a night. Compare that to a $15 tent site and the savings adds up pretty quickly. Boondocking will save you even more. You can park at Walmarts and many rest areas for free. Over the course of a few nights this can be a huge savings.
Burgers and fries get old fast. No one wants to eat out for every meal, and locating a restaurant in a strange town can be stressful. Instead, fill your cooler with fresh, healthy alternatives. Plan to picnic as you travel with fresh sandwiches, salads, fruits and veggies. Got a snack attack? Bring your favorites with you. Try limiting eating out to one meal a day. This will save you both time and money
There are thousands of free roadside attractions across America. Plan your trip around them. Visit the largest ball of twine or the biggest Jersey cow. Drive through ghost towns or follow the yellow brick road. Find ways to make your trip interactive and involve the entire family. Not only will you save money, you will save your sanity!
Change your oil, rotate your tires, and have a complete vehicle check up before you hit the road. Unexpected repairs can be expensive. Don’t wait for something to ruin your trip. Spend the money ahead of time and save a bundle in the long run.
If you are traveling with children, make sure you explain to them when and where you will be spending money. If they’re old enough, let them help you stretch the family budget by calculating your gas mileage and expenses. Get the whole family involved and make it a game.
What other ways can you save money on a road trip? Add your thoughts in the comment box below, then share this article with your friends!
