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Many people enjoy traveling and discovering new places around the world. However, airline ticket prices have been increasing, and travel disruptions are becoming more common. As a result, more people are considering road trips as an alternative. Road trips offer a great opportunity to explore new areas and provide greater flexibility in your travel plans. In this article, I will provide 13 helpful tips on how to save money during a road trip.
Road trip money-saving tips
Saving money on transportation
Plan your route
There are typically multiple routes to reach a destination, but not all are created equal. If your aim is to save money, it’s important to consider more than just travel time.
Planning your route in advance can help you avoid toll roads and save on fees that can accumulate fast. By mapping out your journey ahead of time, you can develop a strategy that suits your needs.
Pro tip: Most map applications have the option to avoid tolls. Make sure you have it selected before getting on the road.
Be mindful of where you fill up
As you know, gas prices can vary widely. Gas stations located near the highways are usually more expensive. After all, convenience has a cost.
If you are traveling with someone, have them research the best option when it’s time to fill up. If you are traveling alone, do so before you leave in the morning. On long road trips, gas can be a huge part of your budget.
Pro tip: You can choose to download an application such as GasBuddy on your phone or simply use google maps which offers gas price comparison.
Use public transportations
When visiting a destination, especially in bigger cities, it is often a smart decision to utilize public transportation as a means of getting around.
Paying for parking can become expensive and navigating busy downtown areas can be stressful. To avoid these issues, try walking whenever possible or using public transportation such as the bus or subway.
Let’s now move on to tips on how to save money on a road trip related to food.
Saving money on food
Pack a cooler
One effective method to cut down on food expenses while on a road trip is to bring your own food and drinks. Additionally, it can considerably reduce the number of unhealthy snacks we consume while traveling.
I make sure to bring my own lunch on the first day of any trip. Additionally, I pack cold beverages for everyone and we use reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout our journey.
Pack non-perishable items
Another strategy about how to save money on a road trip is to pack most of your non-perishable snacks.
If you’re planning to cook your own meals while traveling, it’s usually more cost-effective to purchase ingredients before departing. Some good options to bring along include dry pasta, sauce, nut butter, bread, canned soups, condiments, and other non-perishable items.
Pro tip: Consider using a plastic bin to store your non-perishable food items. Doing so will make it easier to stay organized and take everything out of the car when you reach your destination.
Book accommodation with a kitchen
It is common knowledge that dining out can be quite costly. Although it may not be the most attractive option initially, preparing all of your meals while on vacation can result in significant savings.
If you’re going on vacation, it’s a good idea to create a meal plan beforehand. This will help you decide what food items to bring from home and how to make the most of what you have. If you need some guidance to get started, take a look at this vacation meal plan.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to eat all your meals at home, try having breakfast and dinner there. Dinners are usually pricier than lunches, so many restaurants offer similar food options for lunch at a lower cost with slightly smaller portions.
Book a hotel with free breakfast
If you’re unable or unwilling to stay in a place with a complete kitchen, ensure that your hotel provides complimentary breakfast. During our recent vacation, we dined out for brunch and the expenses for our family of four went up to 100 USD. I justified the cost since it was our lunch. Just think, what if it had been our breakfast instead!
A bonus of the complimentary breakfast is being able to take a few additional items as snacks for later. I don’t recommend taking too much, but packing a couple of extra bananas, apples, or yogurts could come in handy later.
Research restaurants
Before dining out, take some time to research restaurants. Frequently, restaurants located in popular tourist areas can be pricier and may not have the best food quality.
When looking for good restaurants to dine at, utilizing the internet can be helpful. You can research blog posts written by locals or even ask locals you may encounter on the street for their recommendations. After all, you want to make sure that the expense of eating out is worth it!
Pro tip: Take leftovers to your hotel and AirBnB to reuse later. This is a great way to save money on a future meal.
Use grocery discount cards
When you must purchase food at local grocery stores, make sure to download any discount card they may offer. The cost difference can be huge!
At home, I shop at a grocery chain called Kroger, my final weekly food bill offers include more than $30 in saving because I use the card. Don’t miss out!
Lastly, let’s explore how to save money on a road trip for your accommodations.
Saving money on accommodation
Compare hotels and Airbnb
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. If you want to lower costs overall, be sure to conduct a thorough cost analysis and comparison.
It is important to evaluate all significant expenses such as parking, food (including free breakfast versus cooking at home), laundry, and other related costs.
Use hotel points
It is advisable to opt for a widely available hotel chain in the regions you frequently visit and enroll in their loyalty program.
If you plan on staying at the hotel, it makes sense to collect points and earn rewards such as free stays or discounts for future visits.
Consider camping
If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel during a road trip, camping might be a great option for you. However, if you’re new to camping, it’s important to do thorough research to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Avoid holidays and weekends
Hotels and accommodations in general tend to be more expensive on weekends, holidays, or when an event is taking place. It’s a wise idea to take this into account when planning a road trip to keep your cost down.
Pro tip: If you don’t need everything planned ahead of time, consider using Hoteltonight for last-minute accommodation heavily discounted.
In conclusion
This article was all about how to save money on a road trip. I hope this is inspiring you to go on vacation and providing you with helpful tips to reduce your budget along the way.
Bon voyage!
Cat xx