Among the best things about road trips—besides the sight you experience as you drive—is cost-effectiveness. But your selections around staying, the car type you select, and even the roads you take can dent your pocket in no time. So, to ensure you stay in your lane, we have compiled some money-saving tips on your road trips that actually work!
Plan Your Route
Your road trip to Kitty Hawk, NC doesn’t have to be a straight shot from point A to point B. In fact, meandering a bit can actually save you money. That’s because the more popular routes—particularly in national parks—tend to have higher gas prices and lodging costs. On the other hand, less-traveled roads can help you sidestep those costs and still allow you to see some amazing sights along the way.
Other tips to keep in mind when planning include:
- Check out online resources like Frommer’s, AAA, MapQuest, and Google Maps to help you find the most cost-efficient routes.
- If you’re using a GPS, program it for “toll roads only” to avoid costly surprises.
- Make sure to factor in any seasonal closures or road construction that could impact your route.
Consider Alternative Accommodations
Staying in hotels every night can really eat into your budget. Try camping or staying in a vacation rental to save money on lodging. You can even look for vacation rentals like Carolina Designs along your route close to national parks and other attractions, so you don’t have far to drive each day.
Look Into Carpooling Opportunities
If you’re traveling with many people, consider splitting the cost of a rental car by using carpooling apps. These services help match up travelers going in the same direction, so you don’t need to find passengers on your own when renting a vehicle. And if you don’t mind driving, why not offer your vehicle as rideshare? Just be sure to research your insurance options before doing so.
Plan Your Meals Around Grocery Stores, Not Restaurants
Eating out can easily blow up your budget quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead and map out where the grocery stores are along your route. That way, you can stop at these locations and stock up on snacks and meal ingredients that will keep you full without breaking the bank.
Find Free Activities
Look for free attractions like parks, museums, and festivals in the areas you’re visiting, or take advantage of free walking tours. You can still see all that your destination has to offer without spending a fortune.
Look into Seasonal Discounts
Many vacation rentals and destinations offer seasonal discounts that can save you money if you plan your trip around these times. For example, traveling during the shoulder season—the time between peak and off seasons—can help you save on car rentals.
Take Advantage of Membership Discounts
If you have a membership with a program like AAA or CAA, use it when planning your trip. You may be able to get discounts on gas, lodging, car rentals, and more just by being a member.
Bonus Tip: Shop Around for Insurance
Before you hit the road, be sure to shop around and compare auto insurance rates to make sure you’re covered in case anything happens along the way. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers with good driving records, so it pays to do your research.
Bonus Tip #2:
Prepare your Vehicle When you’re ready to go on a road trip, you should prepare your vehicle for the long haul. You can do some things yourself instead of paying for a car checkup and maintenance service. Begin by checking the tire pressure and fluid levels, then ensure that your vehicle is in good working order and has clean car mats and liners installed. You should also have a sufficient supply of gas for your trip. If you intend to drive for an extended period of time and want to avoid being pulled over by the police, you should also have a spare tire, jumper cables, and other emergency supplies on hand.
Final Word
Saving money on your next road trip doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes a bit of planning. You can hit the open road without breaking the bank by following these tips.
What are some of your favorite tips for saving money on a road trip? Let us know in the comments below!