Planning a Trip from 'Down South' to 'Up North'

Our next year's family vacation will be spent on a road trip from Tennessee to Minnesota. We moved down to my husband's hometown last year and where unable to make back up to visit my hometown this year. We miss my family, the rest of his family that is still in Minnesota and all of our mutual friends.

In order to save money for this trip, I went on a hunt for the perfect change jars. At a local antique shop, I found what only could be described as the quintessential southern way of saving some change. Two old brown glass moonshine jugs now hold our trip savings. We both empty our change into those jugs every day and watch as the pile raises north, the exact direction that we want to be heading when they are filled.

To find the best deals, we actually considered flying. As long as we booked a good few months in advance, we could get tickets for the five of us at pretty reasonable rates. Well, now I found a cheap small car that gets over 30 miles to the gallon so you can't get much cheaper than that. Though it is not as roomy as larger vehicles, the money it'll save makes up for it. A luggage rack with a tarp on the top will take care of having to squeeze any extra items in the car that are not necessary.

Before we head out, I am going to put full coverage insurance on my car, including roadside assistance. Though these extra payments may seem contrary to the want of saving money, the extra protection is needed. Can you imagine breaking down in the middle of a 17 hour trip with three youngsters in the car? I do not want to even think about an accident leaving us stranded on my husband's favorite back road wandering when heading up north. If something happens, a tow truck and rental car will help us continue our journey to see family and friends.

As for saving money on food, we are not going to on the way up. I want to experience out-of-the-way cafes and burger joints. We'll make up the money once we get to Minnesota. All of our relatives and friends love to cook and feed people. In that way, living down here is no different.

So, as we are heading up North in our packed little Nissan with a luggage rack and our Australian Shepard Duke hanging out a side window, wave if you see us. Headin' "Up North" Southern Style is all about hospitality after all.