With summer in full force, I’m sure many of you are planning to hit the open road. Nothing beats the classic American road trip – that’s what summers are made of, right?
Turning up the tunes while exploring new cities and enjoying the scenic route with your family and friends sound like the perfect prelude to an amazing and exciting vacation.
However, road trips can get pricey too without careful planning.
So whether you’re going coast to coast or just somewhere a little closer, consider these 6 penny-pitching tips before going on your next road adventure.
1. Plan a budget beforehand.
Decide on how much you are willing to spend and create a budget out of it – food, entertainment, gas and lodging. Honestly, budgeting is not that difficult. The hard part is actually sticking to it, especially when you are faced with a number of beautiful distractions along the way such as food, souvenirs and fun activities.
2. Find the best hotel prices.
Part of the planning is to pre-book your accommodations. If you don’t plan and book ahead, there’s a higher chance of being stuck with hotel options that are out of your budget. And try to consider other types of lodging other than hotels – try apartment rentals, hostels or motels to save more.
3. Stock up on snacks.
For health and financial reasons, make sure to stock up on healthy, portable snacks that won’t spoil easily. This will save you from making and spending on multiple drive-through trips that could quickly blow your budget.
4. Find the cheapest gas rate.
Gas fuels (pun intended) your whole road trip and it takes a big chunk out of your budget but you can save a lot if you know where and when to get the cheapest price. Apps like GasBuddy will help you find the cheapest gas station near you when it’s time to fill up the tank.
5. Drive strategically.
Before you hit the road, research the best route to take ahead of time and avoid rush-hours to avoid the gas-guzzling traffic.
6. Choose your activities wisely.
As much as you want to have a touristy experience while you’re on vacation, it can get a little pricey. If you’re on a tight budget, just stick to wallet-friendly (and sometimes FREE) options like visiting the local parks, museums, zoos, etc.
