From driving to the tip of Cape Cod, to seeing the Great Lakes, all the way to a drive through the Yosemite Valley in California, there are limitless ways to explore on the road. Whether you're going to visit family or taking off on an epic adventure, a road trip can be a great way to make travel about the journey rather than the destination. And with the following money-saving tips, your road trip can be economical as well as fun!
1. Before you hit the road, make sure your car can handle the trip.
Before you pack up your car, it's a good idea to take your car to a mechanic and ensure it's ready for the drive. Having your car inspected and serviced by a certified mechanic before a road trip can be a worthwhile investment that could both save you money and prevent an untimely breakdown. Looking into a rental car is an alternative you may want to consider if you're hoping to avoid wear and tear that might depreciate your car's value. Consider your options carefully and choose what makes more financial sense for you.
2. Pack for bumps along the way.
A flat tire or dead battery can put a serious damper on your road trip, especially if you're not prepared. Keeping a spare tire in your car and checking your tire pressure and tread should be on your pre-trip checklist. Along with your bags, bring a few items for preventive maintenance measures on the road. Having jumper cables, coolant and engine oil handy can save you time and money.
3. Map out your trip ahead of time.
While just jumping in the car and driving without a set destination can be an enticing idea, the spontaneity will likely result in more expenses. Knowing when and where you'll stop ahead of time, especially for hotels and outings, will help you stick to a budget. If you still crave the more adventurous aspects of a road trip, you can make a general plan for your major excursions and routes, while stopping for unexpected attractions and views as you go.
4. Comparison shop to keep hotel prices under control.
Booking ahead of time and using comparison shopping websites will save you from driving around to find the best hotel deal when you're already tired from a long drive. If you do have to book last-minute, consider using hotel coupon books, hotel-booking apps, group coupon sites or reward points to save a little more. Camping could be another alternative to booking a hotel, which can be particularly cheap if you already have gear like tents and sleeping bags.
Each state has Official Welcome Center locations, a great resource for information, free state maps (these can be fun and educational for everyone!), and brochures relating to discounts on hotels, attractions and entertainment that may not be found online.
State parks are also a good idea for inexpensive lodging as well as entertainment. Many state parks offer amenities such as golf courses and swimming facilities in addition to the hiking trails, lakes and picnic areas. If you plan ahead, there may also be cabins and camping areas, too. These do fill up quickly so make your reservation in advance.
5. Managing your mileage could add up to major savings.
Though fuel prices may generally be down, the cost of filling up your tank can still add up. To make this cost more manageable, you can take advantage of apps that help you find the best gas prices in your area. In certain cases, you may also want to consider renting a more fuel-efficient car. You can save even more by mapping your trip ahead of time to avoid toll roads and construction that might slow you down.
6. Keep kids entertained to avoid unnecessary stops.
Kids tend to get antsy in the back seat, which can lead to more frequent stops and a few impulse buys if you're not prepared. Packing snacks and meals ahead of time can help you avoid making extra purchases at the gas station, and will often be cheaper.
Also have a plan for keeping your kids entertained. Let them choose a few activities ahead of time, like preparing a road trip playlist or making a game like road trip bingo with sights you'll be seeing along the way. If you have a tablet or phone, downloading free games, podcasts or movies can be another great option.
7. Protect your home while you are away.
One other way to save on your road trip is to ensure that your home is protected while you're gone. If you can, ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your house. If you can't find someone to help, you can call the US Postal Service to hold your mail while you're away. Double check that you've locked all doors and windows, including the garage door, and that you've set your security alarm and put your lights on a timer.
Bottom line:
Road trips can be an adventurous and an inexpensive way to see the country, but costs can add up if you're underprepared. Planning your stops and packing to anticipate your needs could help you enjoy the ride rather than worry about the expenses. When traveling, always remember to notify JMAFCU to make sure that your JMAFCU Visa® CheckCard and/or credit card transactions are not declined due to activity outside of your normal spending pattern.
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