Setting off with a full tank of gas is one of the best feelings you can have if you like adventures and an open road ahead of you. Since you don’t have to deal with costly flights, road trips are usually less expensive.
However, planning a trip isn’t always that cheap. Things add up fast and your wallet will start to look thinner very soon.
Therefore, it is important to stay on top of your spending. Still, there is no need to fear anything. The money-saving tips you will read in the rest of this text will save you a ton of time and help you with your budgeting.
If you’re lucky, you may even do some Kentucky Derby betting if you find yourself near the event during your road trip!
Make a Budget
Of course, you can’t be budgeting without setting your budget at first. You want to hold yourself accountable for your actions.
It is highly recommended to come up with your own spending plan, but do it in the context of the type of trip you’re taking. There are numerous things you should consider for your budget.
Gas, food, and accommodation are the most important ones. Additionally, you also want to think about miscellaneous activities, entertainment, and emergency funds too.
Usually, an average road trip in the US will cost you about $80, so you can make that your limit. Don’t hesitate to change this value according to your needs.
Keep Track of Everything
Keeping track of your travel budget will make you much more accountable for your spending. It is the best way for you to stay on top of your expenses and always know whether you really need that thing from a gift shop you visited.
A good rule of thumb is to spend less the day after you spent more than what was your goal.
You can do your tracking however you like to. Whether you do it digitally through an app, or directly on a piece of paper, it doesn’t actually matter.
Just make sure you do it and be consistent with it. Soon, you will notice where most of your expenses are going and what you can do to fix your attitude towards spending.
Don’t Travel on Holidays
If possible, make sure not to travel during holidays, especially to popular places. It is no secret that prices are always inflated the week before, during, and after the holidays since plenty of people start traveling and visiting their hometowns.
Additionally, most places are very crowded during holidays, so you might also want to avoid that.
Test this by yourself if you feel like it. Wait for the Fourth of July and, let’s say, travel to Las Vegas. Soon, you will learn how bad of a move that is considering that prices are much higher than usual for anything you want to do.
If you’re lucky, you might find some places where you won’t be overpaying for the service, but let’s just say it is not worth it.
Packing
It is surprising how much money good packing can save you. In fact, it is even more surprising when you just take into consideration the place where you’re going. Appropriate clothing for each climate will save you both time and money from buying clothes on the road.
Additionally, clothing is not the only thing that you should think about. Sleeping bags, tents, and outdoor gear can always be useful in road-trip situations, so make sure you have them with you.
Campervan and Campsites
Everyone who travels a lot should be strongly encouraged to get a van. Having a campervan means you can easily prepare your meals, you don’t have to pay for hotels, and you always have a fun time.
Therefore, check out some vans and refurbish them to your liking, you will be surprised how much you’ll love them.
Luckily, nowadays it is fairly easy to find a campsite. In addition, you can easily find free campsites all across the country, so your budget won’t be affected by any fees for staying overnight at a site.
