Certified CenterA summer road trip is quintessential for most families. For nine months, kids are in school and itching to experience something fun once they’re on break. However, cost always becomes a factor when planning a big trip. You have to book lodging, then consider whether you’ll fly or drive...the list of things you need to account for seems endless! This is where we step in: No matter where you choose to travel this summer, keep in mind the following tips that we hope will make your trip as budget-friendly as possible!
Don’t blow your budget on food. Pack plenty of snacks and stock up on things at grocery stores along the way, as opposed to the overpriced items at gas station mini marts. You can easily and affordably portion out snacks for kids so that they have filling snack options in the car and there’s no need to get potato chips inside the gas station.
Plan early and hunt for online savings. You’d be surprised how much money you can save by booking hotels, theme park tickets, tours, etc. online and off-site. The internet is your friend--be sure to search for package deals and ask friends if they have specific sites they’ve found savings on.
If possible, plan your route by staying with family and friends along the way. If your road trip is going to be lengthy, you can break up the trip and save money by staying with loved ones instead of spending money on a hotel before ever reaching your destination. Make sure you ask them in plenty of time, but this is a great way to save money and catch up with people you may not see often.
Find free entertainment. Local papers and social media outlets post about community events and happenings, and most are free! Museums are also a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Most of the time they have free entry as well, but check on their website to confirm. And no one ever complained about spending a day at the pool--your hotel will have an indoor or outdoor pool (or maybe both!) that kids always enjoy.
Make sure your car is in good shape. If a vehicle isn’t running smoothly prior to a lengthy trip, the unfamiliar road and weather conditions could potentially have a significant impact on your drive. Keep an eye on your tire pressure, as it’s likely to fluctuate with the changing temperatures from one place to the next. The last thing you want to worry about on vacation is fixing a flat or being towed and paying for a brand new tire. Also, look into phone apps that monitor nearby gas station prices so you can save as much as possible when refilling your tank on your trip. Your destination city may have higher or lower costs than your hometown, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the best price possible and aim to fill up there.
What other tips do you have for planning a budget-conscious road trip? We’d love your feedback! Happy travels on your summer vacation!
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