10 Tips to Planning a Budget Friendly Road Trip

Planning a road trip takes a lot of preparation and can be costly. By planning ahead and using some of these tips, you can plan a budget friendly road trip that you and your family will enjoy.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #1
Pack a cooler with drinks, snacks, and sandwich fixings. This keeps you from having to stop at a restaurant for every meal. You can stop at a rest stop during the day to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, and have a sandwich.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #2
Plan out your route ahead of time. Driving at a consistent speed without many stops can save on gas usage. The shortest route may not be the best. Try to stay away from heavy traffic, road construction sites, and roads that have a lot of stop lights.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #3
After you plan out your route, use a website like Motor Trend to plan out your gas stops. Sites like this will help you find the cheapest gas prices in different areas.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #4
Save on gas by driving at night. There will be less traffic and the temperatures are normally cooler, which can eliminate the need for running the air conditioner.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #5
Finding some cheap or free campgrounds is a great way to save money. Most campgrounds are now equipped with bathroom facilities. So you can have a nice hot shower before you get back on the road.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #6
If camping isn't your thing and you have to stay in a hotel, consider travelling through the week. A lot of hotels have lower rates Monday-Thursday.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #7
Check out websites like hotels.com or priceline.com. These sites can help you get the cheapest price on hotel rooms.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #8
Check with the local Tourism Board or Chamber of Commerce. They can provide you with coupons or information about any discounts available for local events or sight-seeing stops.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #9
Have your car checked out before your trip. Simple things like checking the fluids, the belts, and making sure you have a spare tire can save you from a disaster that could be costly on the road.

Planning a road trip on a budget-Tip #10
Have a reserve fund for emergencies. If you plan this in ahead of time, it will help keep your trip on track even when the unexpected happens.

These tips can help keep you under budget, and make your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Sources:
Open Travel Info
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