One of the best ways to experience the majesty of the United States is through a rolled down window while cruising the open highway. Many people dream of taking a cross-country or coastline road trip, but do not act on it. A real road trip takes planning and thought, especially if you are trying to be financially savvy.
Whether you are taking a trip with family, forging unforgettable memories with friends, or adventuring solo, a road trip can be a wonderful time. With the right planning, a road trip can be designed to fit any budget. Here are some of the top money-saving tips for a great experience without breaking the bank.
Plan in Advance
As exciting as it might seem to drive with no destination in mind, planning is actually very important for road trips. This includes everything from mapping out the route for the best mileage and planning pit stops along the way. You will be able to fully enjoy the sights along the way if you know where they are!
Additionally, planning ahead means knowing how you will get from place to place. If you are driving a personal vehicle, you will want to get the car serviced before leaving to avoid unexpected breakdowns. You can also take advantage of Airstream rentals at stayontrails.com/airstream-rentals/ and find a luxury option at an affordable rate. An RV option is perfect to travel in style and bring the comforts of home with you.
Pack Bottled Water & Snacks
No road trip is complete without snacks and bottled water. It keeps you going during the long stretches. Plus, stopping for snacks and water will quickly add up. Your budget will last longer if you bring some of these items with you from the start.
Find Free Accommodations
If you choose to rent an Airstream, you will have your accommodations with you the whole time. An Airstream can easily be parked at many free camping spots. If driving a car, you should look for free accommodations along the way. Hotels can quickly rack up and eat away at the budget.
If you have connections along the way, you can reconnect with old friends and crash with them for a night or two.
Connect Through Apps
Mobile apps can be lifesaver on the road. There are apps that can do everything, from booking accommodations to mapping out the best route. Gas apps like Gas Buddy take you to the nearest gas station with the best prices.
Some apps can help with food as well! Download apps for your favorite restaurant to score rewards and more along the way.
Plan for the Unplanned
Emergencies can happen even when you are prepared for everything. Planning for emergencies can mitigate stress later on. These might take the form of emergency oil change, delayed or detoured routes, or illness. You should always have a buffer of cash just in case to handle the bumps along the road. Also plan for emergencies with great insurance specific to your travel method, whether that is an RV, car, or Airstream.
Enjoy the Journey
At the end of the day, this is going to be an experience like no other. If you take the time to plan and make smart choices, you can go on the journey without worrying about the finances as much. A road trip is all about the journey and enjoying all that the open road has to offer along the way. With just a little foresight and planning, you can make the journey that much more exciting.
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events.
