Road trip is fun especially if you go with your family and closest friends. You can go to places and explore the wonders of the world. But did it ever cross your mind that planning a road trip can be expensive? Of course there are a lot of things that needed to be done. For today’s topic, we are going to give you some ideas and tips on how to go on a road trip frugally. Are you a bit excited about this? I bet you are!
But before we start, please make sure you have your pens and notes with you. Everything should be organized too. So let’s get going guys!
- Plan your trip – Before you go on a road trip, plan everything from scratch. First is the location of where you are going. How long will it take for you to get there? What are the places that you can pass by when there? What are the famous destinations they have there? For you to be on the track, make sure to make lists on things that you are going to do there once you get there or even on the way. Who are you going to bring with you going there? Is it going to be your family or friends? Or do you prefer to go alone? Making things organized will keep you always on track and keep your budget on the road.
- Cheap motels and camping sites – If you are on a long trip, consider checking in cheap motels along the way. There is a reason why they are called motels and that is for motorists who loves to travel. If you want to get comfy while sleeping go check in but if not, consider sleeping in your car for less money but if you ask me, I prefer motels because we are safe in there. Before going to a road trip, make a list of possible motels that you will pass by and check their prices online so you can check if checking in to motels and camping sites will suit your budget.
- Freebies – What I love about checking in the motels and hotels are the freebies that you can get from them without you paying for it or added to your bill. What are those freebies that I’m talking about? Free toothbrush, toothpaste, ice, free use of towels, hot water and free breakfast to some motels that they will let you use it or you could even bring it with you. Do not be afraid to take the freebies as you paid for it. Free ice is actually good when travelling so you don’t need to buy ice for your cooler along the way.
- Buy your own food – Buying your own food before going on a trip will save you a lot of money. We all know that going on a long road trip will get us very hungry so the solution to that angry stomach of ours is to buy comfort foods. It is better to buy foods that are ready to eat or if possible, be open to buying military packed foods. Don’t worry because I am sure that once you get on your location, you can eat all the food that you want to eat.
- Cooler Power – Do you own a cooler? If yes then coolers will be your savior on a road trip. Avoid eating on gasoline stations and drinking refreshing drinks. Bringing your own cooler with you is a great idea as all you need to buy when you reach the gas station are ice packs to keep the drinks inside cool. Bringing your own water will help too for long trips.
- Dollar Stores – Buy your necessities in the dollar stores like paper plates, paper towels, disposable spoon and forks, plastic cups and plastic bags. Remember, bringing everything in disposable will lighten the load of your car and you will not worry on where to wash your plates afterwards. You can also look for some things in the dollar stores that will help you along the way like extra batteries for your flashlights and some first aid kit just in case someone gets hurt.
- Maps and GPS – This is a good help guys in case you are not familiar with the road that you are taking. Get a marker and mark the road that you are going to pass and mark the gas stations that you are going to stop for a refill and buy some snacks if you want too. Getting ready ahead of time will lessen your travel time and money. I know all of us do not know how to use a GPS. (Please include me on the lists!) The best alternative to that is be old school and use maps as your guide.
- Sandwiches – Making your own sandwich at home is the easiest way to save money while travelling. Sandwiches will definitely be your companion during long roads as it is not going to spoil easily no matter what filling you fill in there. Plus you get to choose your own fillings too! Put fillings that are rich in fiber so you will get easily hungry.
- Military Supply Stores – When it comes to food that can be cooked easily, going to military supply stores is your solution to that. You can always find some foods in there that can be cooked with just hot water. Hot waters are free in the gasoline stations as long as you ask permission to the owner or the one in charge in there. All you have to do is to ask politely. Buying packed foods that are high in fiber will save you along the way.
- Identification Cards – Bringing important documents will help you along the way. Not just for security purposes but who knows, you might have a discount in the motels and gas stations once they see that you are not from the state they live in.
- Do not travel alone – Bringing some relatives and friends with you will save you money from gasoline and foods. We all know that they will also share some to you along the way. Plus you get to enjoy your trip and it is not boring and also you can substitute with someone when driving for you to rest.
We have come at the end of our lists. Where do you plan to go? Did we miss something? Please let us know with your comments below!
