What better way for the frugal traveler to stretch both their budget and their vacation allowance than by taking long weekend road trips? Here are some of my best tips for cutting that cost even further.
Keep the cooler cool
Packing an affordable cooler full of drinks and snacks is a great option to cut costs. To maximize cooler space, instead of filling with ice, freeze underfilled water bottles and beverages (including drinking cartons, which makes juicing healthier). No more soggy sandwiches or spilled water in the backseat.
Eat where the truckers eat
For longer road trips, travelers may have to look outside the cooler to eat. Instead of patronizing the usual fast food chains, keep an eye out for local roadside restaurants with transport trucks parked outside. When truckers find a place with good, affordable food, they tell their friends about it.
Note: Just because the sign says truck stop does not mean that truckers are stopping. Vehicles never lie.
Keep the kids entertained
This is a trick I stole from my mom. Every time we went on a long road trip, she would bring out the coloring books and crayons. That may not seem exciting, except that it was… for us. During a road trip it was the only time we were allowed a new coloring book.
Updated for today’s kid, keep a few toys or video games just to use on road trips. This could be a new toy or one of his favorites. The novelty of the toy will keep kids busy and looking forward to long car rides.
Preparing the vehicle
Road trips mean trusting your vehicle, so prep work is essential. Check all fluids, oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent (for the bugs that all road trip vehicles accumulate). Check the tires, making sure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Check all belts and hoses for wear.
AAA or other vehicle assistance programs
Frequent road travelers should consider an AAA membership or other vehicle assistance program, especially if they have an older vehicle. A trailer and membership pays for itself. No more fighting over local mechanics/tow trucks.
One of the benefits I love about AAA is their TripTiks, which are route maps complete with information like roadworks (very helpful during summer roadworks season) and rest stops. There are even billboards in each past city.
Road trips are a great way to see more local destinations and stretch your travel budget.