How to Save Money on a Road Trip

Being able to get to your destination by driving, whether for business or for pleasure, can be very costly. Here are some ways to cut your costs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Map
• Food
• Drink
• Tools
• Car essentials (tire pressure gauge, jumper and more)
• First aid kit
• Car insurance
• Health and medical insurance

1. Get your car serviced prior to a major or long road trip. Making sure your car is in tip-top shape would ensure that you not only save time by getting to your destination safely on time, but it can save you big bucks on repair expenses while on the road. Have your engine, battery, and tires checked. Have them check your break pads and change oil if it is due. Fill your gas tank to avoid numerous stops.
2. Get your car essentials ready. Bring your tools, extra tire, tire pressure gauge and even extra gasoline in a container when traveling on longer trips. Periodically check on your tires and gasoline. Do not wait until the gas is almost empty before getting your gas. This will be a great hassle when you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. You will lose a lot of time if you wait for the tow truck to give you gas. There is also extra charge you will pay the tow truck company if you have car troubles in the middle of your road trip.
3. Travel early or when the traffic is light. This will eliminate slow downs and a lot of stops that can eat up your fuel quicker. Also when you travel early, the temperature is cooler so you do not need the air conditioning on. Less traffic would mean fewer chances of accidents which can be costly. Also you can get to your destination sooner thus saving you time.
4. Plan your route accordingly. If you have a long trip, it would be good to plan your route. Schedule the stops and breaks accordingly to save time. Go to gas stations that are nearby rest stops so you can also buy food to eat. The fewer stops you make the more money you save. Know your route. Bring a couple of maps of your route or better yet, bring or invest in a navigation system. In the long run you would be grateful you bought that navigation which can show you the shortest and fastest route to your destination. It is quite handy too to find the closest rest stops, restaurants, gas stations or even hospitals in cases of extreme emergencies, if you have a GPS (Global Positioning System)or navigation system. It can save you gas and time if you can easily find your way.
5. Bring lots of food and drinks with you. Buy in bulk from wholesale groceries for sodas, water and other drinks. Bring home cooked food or make sandwiches. Put them in a cooler, eliminate extra expenses of buying drinks and your next meals from fast foods and restaurants. Bring extra snacks like cut fruits, chips and cookies. Snacking would keep you from getting hungry often.
6. Camp out instead of staying in hotels. Bring your camping equipment with you, instead of paying for an overnight stay. If the weather is good, camping outside is relaxing. Always pick the safe spots and always practice safety when camping out. If the weather is bad, check out some rest stops where you can get some sleep inside your car. If you must do an overnight stay for the comfort of your family, stay in one room instead of getting different rooms for you and your children. Just offer to pay for the extra cot for the children. Also, choose motels and inns over expensive hotels. This will surely cut your costs down.
7. Avoid violation fees. Yes, some road travelers do not take into account the expenses incurred when caught committing traffic violations. Speeding tickets vary per state and they can be very hefty. Also make sure everyone is wearing their seat belts, this will not only save you huge amount of money due to seatbelt violation fees but, more importantly, can save lives.
8. Bring necessities. Sometimes minor cuts and accidents cannot be avoided so bring your first aid kit so that you can tackle those minor cuts and bruises on your own instead of looking for a pharmacy or drugstore who sells first aid medications. Make sure your first aid kit is filled with the necessities enough for the occupants of the car. Things that should be included are band-aids and bandages, pain relievers, sanitizing alcohols for wounds, scissors and ice pack.
9. Avoid using your air-conditioner when driving. Roll down your window and open your sunroof so you enjoy the fresh breeze. It will save you from having overheated car if you do not use your air-conditioner too much. This will cut down on your car repair costs as well as fuel costs.
10. Check your insurance if they are up to date. This means both car and medical insurance. Nothing is worse than getting into an accident or getting ill then finding out your insurance has not been paid so you will pay all the expenses out of your own pocket. So be wise and check your health or medical insurance as well as car insurance before you go on that road trip to avoid the costly expenses of not having up-to-date insurance coverage. For the car insurance, make sure all those that are going to be taking part in the driving are fully covered, otherwise, get them added prior to the trip.