How To Save Money on Road Trips

Have you ever felt the need to get away for a day or two? A road trip may be just the thing. After your return, you should be refreshed and ready to do real-life things. Too often, citing expense, we tank these times of restoration. (I mean, how excited does anyone get about paying off a big bill after the fun is over?) But… can you get your break without breaking your budget? The answer is ‘Yes!’. With proper planning, there should be no financial regret over having taken one of these short vacations.

You must learn how to save money on road trips, spend less, and have a great time.

 

Plan the trip and take measures to keep costs down while achieving your goal of a getaway. The itinerary needs to be determined and money set aside to fund it. Proper planning will minimize any need to “cut corners” once you’re on the move.

I’ll share a few tips to help you make your plans and save money on your next road trip.

Create a budget to prevent overspending                   

Prepare ahead of time; plan and budget for your road trip. It’s important to set money aside for this break. Because you won’t decimate your finances by overspending, you’ll enjoy yourself all the more.

Overspending can take a couple of forms. You might spend more on something than it’s worth. Or spend more than you can afford. In either case, it’s frivolous spending, and the result can leave you with a financial mess to deal with. (Make a budget and stick to it.)

How much can you afford to spend on this road trip? Let’s keep it real: If you’re going to spend funds you already have, how much can you spend without hurting yourself financially? Or, (and this is more likely) how much can you reasonably save to commit to this endeavor?

You need to set a time (date) for taking your trip. You also need to do some research. What will fuel, food, accommodations, and entertainment cost? From the paychecks you’ll receive before the date of your trip, will you be able to set aside an amount equal to sum of those expenses? If not, you must revise your plan by time, destination/activity. Budgeting will allow you to put your time and money in sync.

Plan your mini vacation

Where are you going and what do you want to do while you’re there? This trip is intended to be a getaway. Make the most of it. Know where you’re going and how to get there. Just jumping in the car and taking off isn’t the best idea. Worst case scenario: You don’t have a plan, so you’ll waste a lot of money. You’ll also waste time making decisions you should have made before you started.

Map your route

When I was young, my army buddies and I would decide where we were going and why (concert, ball game, visit friends/family…).  We’d buy a map and draw a small X on our destination. We’d draw another X to mark from where we’d be starting, and we’d connect the two marks with a straight line. The idea was to drive (on roads) as close to that line as possible. This usually gave us the shortest route.

Note: If you’re still into using paper maps, I’m sure you’ve noticed they have legends (sometimes called a key). Those keys give a lot of information. Reading the legend and understanding the symbols can help a lot with planning. There are also guides to finding POIs (points of interest): rest stops, campsites, toll roads, etc. You can even calculate miles from one point to another.

If you’d like to try using a map, Randmcnally still sells them. I’ll give you an example: Look at the map and legend below. Look for the symbols, most of them don’t need an explanation.

This is a map notice some of the points of interests

Of course, the current alternative to a map is GPS.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS is a less involved way to plan a trip than using a map. Computers do it for you. They can also help you find your POIs. If you look into using GPS, you’ll find there are several systems with varying features. Some come with a built-in feature for POIs. Others require a download. Regardless the device, you can Google it to learn how to find and operate its POI function.

Google your device and POIs and you should be able to learn how to locate POIs using your device. Insert an image of searching google with device name and the plus sign.

Cheaper lodging

It’s important to find a clean, safe place to stay. You also want your hotel to be affordable. I look for a price that will work within my budget…and I love discounts. That means cheap can be a relative term indicating something less expensive than normal. When discounts are available, I try to avail myself of them. But, I don’t go crazy. Even with discounts, some accommodations may be out of my price range… That’s a good reason to plan ahead and set a budget. I have the time to fit what I want to spend for comfortable lodging with a Google search for a deal.

Accommodating accommodations

Most travelers are looking for convincing. I’m one of them. BUT… I don’t want to pay top dollar for it. (I’m sure you don’t either.) Saving money is never a bad thing. It can, however, be itinerary-dependent.

Consider events, a concert or ballgame, etc.: If I’m headed to one of these, I try to find a hotel within walking distance. I start looking early (months ahead of time) to find the best deal and location possible. The more time you have to look, the more you can save, and the more likely you will get the kind of place and price you’re seeking.

If I’m going off just to browse and do some relaxing without any big plans, I don’t need a hotel in a specific location; choices are more open, and generally, I save more. I look for hotel chains that offer discounts or places friends/family have recommended. I like those recommendations. They’re a sign of clean, safe, good service.

Regardless of my plans, I always look forward to finding the lowest rate possible for good accommodations.

Do some research

Because it’s possible to gain a lot of information in a short period of time, I start my search for a hotel on the internet. All the information I need—rates, addresses, and directions—is readily available. Using discounted hotel booking websites to compare costs makes it easy to see all my options.

My favorite discount hotel/motel website is Travelocity.com.

After I select a hotel, I make a reservation online, but only if I can cancel it for free. (Expedia is good about that). After I’ve secured a reservation, I call the hotel in hopes they’ll offer a lower rate for booking directly. If that’s the case, I make one and promptly cancel the one I made online. (Promptly, so I don’t forget to do it and end up paying.)

Note: If I can’t cancel an online reservation for free, I call the hotel while I still have the discount hotel ad page on the internet. Then, I make the reservation whichever way gives me the lower price.

When you’re making your reservation, ask about group discounts too. Offering a discount is an incentive to secure your business (or your return business), so it’s best to ask about them when making your reservation. Some of the more common ones are military or veteran, disabled, college student, AARP, AAA, and senior citizen.

Two more points:

• When you make a reservation, always get the confirmation number. You may need it later.
• You can look for lodging that’s less expensive than a hotel room.

Camping can be cheaper.

If you’re a camping enthusiast and you already have the equipment, camping may be a cheaper way to stay than getting a hotel room. Believe it or not, you can even free at some campsites. Find out what’s available near your destination. Here’s a guide to free camping.

Even if a campsite isn’t as close to your destination or entertainment as you might like, taking advantage of them when they’re available can save you money. The money you save by camping rather than in a hotel could make the likelihood of actually taking your trip more feasible. Or, it can give you funds to spend on another aspect of the trip… Is anyone up for a spur-of-the-moment massage? Maybe we go back and check out that roadside museum we just passed?

Friends and family

Here’s another way to (possibly) spend less money. When you’re passing near or through a town where a friend or family member lives, they may enjoy having some time to catch up with you and possibly host you for a couple of nights…

Invite yourself, but make plans ahead of time. Call and ask if you, and the rest of your party, can stay for a night or two. Don’t just drop in. Your friends/family have lives, you can’t expect them to drop what they’re doing and offer you a place to stay. Make it easier on everyone, make that phone call. If they do agree to let you spend the night—or two—be a good guest. Don’t become a “We never want him back” experience. (If you do, you won’t be getting this break again.) Of course, they may say no. In that case, it’s all good, maybe next time.

Save money on food

Accommodations aren’t the only big expense you encounter when you travel. You need food, and we all know eating out is expensive. I don’t mean it’s a little expensive. I mean it’s a lot expensive. The more you can avoid restaurants, the more you can save.

OK.

I know you’re on a getaway, so you probably will want to treat yourself to at least one nice meal, but it doesn’t need to be every meal. Eating food you prepare yourself can cut costs. It only takes a little planning. You can buy and prepare some items before you leave or you can shop along the way and do some cooking out. Take a portable grill or camp stove. (Gas isn’t as messy as charcoal.) Cooking out can add to your fun.

Invest in a cooler

Purchase a cooler, it will save you money. The first time you use it, you’ll probably save the amount you spent on it. Your cooler is for perishables: meats, vegetables, and other things you want to keep cold like soda and bottled water.

Cardboard box

A cardboard box (or two) is a good place to put your non-perishable items such as canned goods, condiments, paper plates, cooking, serving, and eating utensils. It will save you time later. And, since you’ll know where everything is, you’ll be less likely to buy duplicates of items you already have. That is a money saver.

I try to keep most meals simple and inexpensive when I take road trips.  Breakfast can be cold cereal or a protein bar. A sandwich, chips, and water for lunch (and maybe supper.) If I have my grill, hotdogs or hamburgers, steaks, and more can be cooked just about any time. And, of course, I travel with plenty of snacks or hit local grocery stores. (You can pick up healthy food there too.)

You have to know, however, that as much as I advocate for fixing my meals, I eat some meals in restaurants. Cooking out and eating out are both parts of the fun. Planning makes both possible. You’ll want to do some research to find great places to eat. Think about how the meals you eat out can enhance your trip. Places that are fun, famous, historic, etc. are possibilities. As for those meals you’re going to cook out, have a menu and packing list of items to take from home. There’s no sense in spending money while you’re on the road for nonperishables when you already have them. Packing lists can save you money.

Stop losing stuff

Make packing lists for non-food-related items too. Refer to them when you’re getting ready to set out on your trip and as you’re vacating overnight accommodations. There’s nothing worse than leaving something behind. You know what I’m talking about—your toothbrush, razor, or deodorant. If you leave a needed item behind, you’ll have to replace it, and that costs money. Plus, it can be a major downer: I once left my best bed pillows in a hotel room—never got them back… I don’t know about you, but finding and getting accustomed to a new pillow is not fun. (That’s why I took mine along in the first place.)

Making a packing list

Making a packing list is a trick I learned in the Army. It’s really simple to do and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

• Place everything you want to take with you on your bed or floor before you pack.
• Make a list of it all.
• If you’re going to use more than one suitcase, make individual lists for each bag.

Every time you pack up check your list(s). If you’re missing something, you’ll know immediately and can eliminate the problem of leaving stuff behind.

Inspect your car

You’re taking this road trip to have some fun. Nothing terminates fun on the road more than car problems. A pre-trip inspection of your car can greatly cut the chance of spending your mini-vacation in a repair shop, not to mention spending the money it will take to fix the problem. Look for possible issues a few days before you plan to set out and deal with them yourself (or take the car to your mechanic). At a minimum, check the following items:

• Check all of the fluid levels.
• Radiator fluid
• Window washing fluid
• Engine oil
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Consult your owner’s manual to learn manufacturer’s recommendations for
• Tire tread
• Tire pressure
• All lights
• Wiper blades
• Account for emergency equipment
• Spare tire and jack
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Safety triangles
• Emergency items
• Warm clothes
• Water and food
• First aid kit

Most of these checks can be done in just a few minutes, but doing them can save you from hours of sitting on the roadside or in a shop.

Save money while driving.

It’s been well known for a long time that jackrabbit starts and heavy breaking increase fuel consumption. They also add to the wear and tear on our cars. Increased fuel consumption ups the cost of any trip and doesn’t cut the time it will take to arrive at the destination. Besides, you’re supposed to be laid back on this trip. Take it easy on the gas and brake pedals.

Watch your speed

Speed is another gas burner. The faster you drive, the more gas you burn, and that’s not the worst thing that can happen: A speeding ticket is a real possibility. The fine will be based on how much over the speed limit you were going, but there’s still more… When your insurance company finds out you have a speeding ticket, your premiums can be increased. If they are, it can be years before they come down again. Who wants to deal with that kind of frustration when they’re supposed to be relaxing? (Don’t speed, and you won’t have to.)

Drive like a sane person

Since we’re talking about the fuel consumption, think about aggressive driving. This is more than just speeding. Aggressive driving also covers behavior like swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, passing on the shoulder, and other dangerous maneuvers. These actions burn extra fuel. They also increase your risk of losing control and wrecking your car. You’ll not only ruin what should have been a good time, but it will also cost a fortune. Aggressive driving is against the law and (again) won’t get you where you’re going any sooner.

Avoid driving during rush hour

If you want to avoid frustration on the road, it only makes sense to avoid driving during rush hours, especially in large cities. Another gas guzzler also creeps through traffic, mainly sitting during high-volume traffic hours. It’s a waste of fuel and, consequently, money. This is a timing problem that can be dealt with as you plan your trip. Rush hours can be excellent times for your car to sit (engine turned off) in a parking lot as you explore a tourist attraction or eat a meal (in a restaurant or cooked on a grill in a rest area.)

Avoid high fuel prices

I’ve said a lot about saving money by not wasting fuel… Think about being frugal and keeping the price you pay for gas down. Here’s a tip many people know but don’t take advantage of: Don’t buy fuel along the highways. If you go just a few miles away from the main drag, you’ll be able to save some money on the price of your gas. Like any other business, gas stations take advantage of convenience and urgency. They charge accordingly. Where traffic is lower, the price is generally lower.

Gas apps

There’re a number of gas apps that can save you money on the price of fuel. My favorite is gas buddy. If you know your car’s average gas mileage, apps like this can be accessed by the computer during your planning stage to schedule your gas stops. Or, since most of these apps update in real-time, you can use a gas app on your cell phone to find a low price within a convenient area as you travel.

Some apps can save you from having to hunt for special needs such as diesel fuel. (Gas Buddy has that feature.) In addition, you can filter your results for other information like restrooms or restaurants.

Gas reward cards

I use a gas reward card every time I get fuel. I earn points when I purchase gas. I can use the points to purchase more fuel at another time (essentially for free). Not all gas reward cards are equal. Make sure the gas reward card you use will allow you to use your points to purchase fuel. Some only allow points to be used against the purchase of “stuff” from an associated convenience store.

Include funds for unforeseen expenses

Road trips take you away from your home area for a short period of time. Your plan needs to include some funds to cover unforeseen expenses. I don’t mean just bad things, but good things too…a flat tire or an extra night out? This is where a credit card dedicated to covering unexpected expenses could come in handy.

As I was on my way home from one of my excursions, the exhaust manifold on my car broke at the engine block. The rest of the exhaust system was dragging on the road under the car, and exhaust fumes were leaking into the passenger compartment. The car was unsafe to drive. I had to pull over, call for a tow, and get the repair made before I could continue my trip.

I put the repair on my rewards credit card and paid it off the day I got home. Ultimately, I used money from my emergency fund to pay that bill.

On another occasion, I found a coat in the WWII Flying Ace style. It was made of leather and expensive. I’d been wandering around an eclectic shopping district and just happened to see it. And, it was on sale! To be honest, it was a steal for the price. I’d been saving for just this style coat for about six months and had planned to order one—eventually—when I had the price covered, but in this place, at this price, I could afford it now.  So, I bought it. Once again, I put it on my rewards credit card and paid it off when I got home. (Note: I used two frugal practices—saving and buying on sale.

The takeaway

Before taking a road trip, organize an itinerary and funds to cover your expenses. Once you’re on the move, you can enjoy your time to the fullest. knowing how to save money on road trips is essential for people who like to take road trips and enjoy mini vacation.