Can you give me some tips/advice for taking a road trip on the cheap?

1. 53

   Ashley m andrewsposted 8 years ago

   Can you give me some tips/advice for taking a road trip on the cheap?

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2. 81

   Patsybellposted 8 years ago

   Buy food at grocery stores instead of restaurants. Have picnics or eat at rest stops or parks. Refill water bottles at every stop.

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   1. 53

      Ashley m andrewsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you! These are things I already do and it does save a ton of money!

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3. 91

   Stephanie Henkelposted 8 years ago

   Most likely gas and housing will be your biggest expenses. You'll get better gas mileage if you slow down by 5 mph. Get off the expressways, drive slower and enjoy the trip more!
   
   Hotels and motels will be more competitive near cities. Stop in visitor's centers and pick up hotel guides that may have coupons in them. Or book ahead of time on websites like Priceline where you can often get really good deals if you don't mind committing to purchase a hotel room without knowing which particular one it is. We've had good luck doing this.
   
   Camping is even cheaper, and some people choose to car camp (sleep in their cars)  tent camp at  state or National Parks. Many private campgrounds won't let you do this unless you set up a tent.
   
   Food: Restaurant food is expensive! Buy cereal or other food that you can eat in your hotel room (or choose hotels with free breakfast). Carry a cooler with ice, cold drinks and ingredients for a picnic lunch and snacks. When you do eat out, skip drinks except water and skip desserts. They can double your bill! Pick up dessert in the grocery store and a cup of coffee at MacDonald's. Have your wine in your hotel room. 
   
   Sightseeing: Check out areas you are visiting on on-line travel sites so that you don't miss the interesting free things in each area. Especially in the summer, you may come across fun festivals, fairs and events that have free admission.  Do check with local Chamber of Commerce to see what's happening and what to see locally.

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4. 62

   Motherbynatureposted 8 years ago

   Find a reason to go.  Look up your destination city and find concerts or events that interest you.  Set your date around those events.  Look up good places to eat, too. Read all reviews.  It saves headaches and Pepto Bismol.
   
   Map out your route and decide how many overnight stops you will need, then book a hotel on Groupon.com
   
   Go online and get AAA for $50.  It's cheaper and faster than waiting on Ray Bob's towing at 2 AM on I-5. 
   
   Go to Jiffy Lube or somewhere for an oil change and have them check your fluid levels and belts if you don't know how to do it yourself.  Tell them you're going on a road trip and ask if the car is up for it.  They make try to convince you to get a service  that day that you'll need in the future.  Just tell them it's a family emergency and you don't have the time or the money.
   
   Get a spare tire.  You can get a cheap used tire at any tire shop.  zOr check the one you have and make sure it's not flat.  Check your tire pressure on all your other tires too.  Make sure you have a jack and wrench. 
   
   Buy your own jumper cables.  It's easier to find someone with a car who is willing to give you a jump if you already have cables.  A lot of people will help but don't have cables.
   
   Load up at the 99 cent store: water, snacks, personal hygiene/feminine hygiene products, paper towels, water, first aid supplies, cheap games in case you have time to kill.  Get disinfectant wipes too.  You'll be using some dirty restrooms.
   
   Get cash money and keep large and small bills separate, ideally in separate pockets in your pants or purse and jacket.  Don't pull out a wad of cash to pay for a burger.  People will be watching you.
   
   Put aside money for your return trip.  Don't get on the road back home and find out you spent all your gas money. 
   
   Share your itinerary with someone before you leave.  Text them every morning and evening to let them know your night/day was ok and that you made it to your next stop.
   
   Carry a weapon.  Yep.  I said it.  A bat, tire iron, pepper spray, etc.  Keep it in the car within reach, not in the trunk. 
   
   When you get to your destination, turn on your GPS and open the Groupon app.  It will show you all kinds of things to do in that area.

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      Ashley m andrewsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      awesome! Thank you so much!

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5. 60

   freecampingaussieposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Free Camp as much as possible & cook your own food. You will save a fortune ! We have done this in Australia ,the UK, Ireland , Europe and had an amazing time ! Photo taken in Germany !

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