As spring break approaches, it often signals vacation time for many families, and for some, it means embarking on road trips. Regardless if your journey will take 5 or 20 hours, the following tips will help you conserve your budget and maintain your calm during your travels.
ORGANIZE YOUR FUEL STOPS:
This spring, my family and I will be driving for 6 hours from California to Arizona. Our journey is strategically planned around fuel stations. For example, our vehicle’s tank is filled to the brim at Costco before we embark on our trip, and we anticipate reaching the Arizona border before needing another fuel stop. The significant price difference in fuel between the two states equates to substantial savings! We follow the same strategy on our return journey – refilling our tank once in Arizona to delay the next refueling in California as much as possible. This practice saves us an estimated $35-50, varying with fuel prices. For those crossing multiple states, carefully planning your fuel stops to avoid expensive regions can lead to even more savings.
PACK A SLOW COOKER:
Road trip meals do not have to be limited to fast food; bringing a slow cooker on your journey can be a game-changer. Prepare a favorite slow cooker recipe hours before you leave, then wrap the cooker in a towel and secure it in the back of your vehicle. After a travel time of approximately 4-5 hours (perfect for lunch or dinner), you can enjoy a warm meal made just to your liking. Using a liner, disposable plates, and cutlery makes cleaning up a breeze. And, if you’re staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, consider using the slow cooker for daily meals or for food to take on your journey back. Even if used just once, it presents substantial savings and healthier meal options compared to fast food.
PACK A COOLER:
Despite a road trip often meaning a large packing list, adding a cooler to it can be a cost-saving decision. Having snacks and drinks on hand not only saves money on pricey service station fare but is especially useful for families with babies, allowing the storage of pre-made formula bottles.
THINK ABOUT CAR RENTAL:
For road trips longer than 1000 miles, hiring a car might be a prudent choice. This helps save on the wear and tear of your vehicle and offers peace of mind – if the rental unexpectedly breaks down, a replacement is provided free of charge. A larger rental might also provide more space for luggage and improved personal comfort.
PURCHASE FAMILY PASSES:
Many places offer affordable family passes that can equate to great savings on vacation. An example is the Association of Science and Technology Centers, which offers a family pass for over 300 museums across the country. This means numerous museums and attractions are accessible for the price of one pass, making your road trip more cost-effective and memorable.
Road trips can definitely be affordable and enjoyable, with a bit of pre-planning. How does your family make savings during road travels?
