The phrase “budget travel” can have a scary ring to it, conjuring up images of grubby highway motels, fast food, and bunking with relatives until you’re all sick of each other. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
You can turn your next holiday road trip into a fun and fantastic budget trip with just a few sensible changes that won’t hurt a bit. So in the spirit of frugality, here’s our list of the 16 best ways to cut costs on road trips and scenic drives.
Save on Fuel & Repairs
1. Check Your Vehicle. There’s nothing more inconvenient and annoying than car trouble on the road. So before you go, get a tune up. Bonus savings: A new air filter and spark plugs are proven to reduce gas usage.
2. Drive Smarter. Believe it or not, you can shave about 1/3 off fuel costs just by driving less aggressively. Save another 10% or more by going the speed limit. After all, scenic drives shouldn’t go by in a blur.
3. Use the Cruise. The cruise control reduces fuel consumption by keeping your foot off the gas pedal.
4. Don’t Idle More Than 30 Seconds. Turn off the engine and save another 20% on budget trips. Isn’t this fun?
Save on Meals
5. Eat Better and Cheaper. Avoid tourist traps; ask the locals where they eat.
6. Pack a lunch. It’s better for your health, your budget, and your fun quotient. When was the last time you stopped for a picnic on a scenic drive?
7. Seek Free Brekkie. Hotels that offer a free breakfast cut the cost of one meal a day.
8. Bring Coupons. Many chain eateries offer 2-for-1 specials, free beverage coupons, etc. You can also find discounts for hotels and attractions by combing travel magazines and websites.
Save on Lodgings
9. Use Your Points. Many reward programs let you use your points for accommodations and meals.
10. Low Season, Low Prices. When hot spots are off season, rates are down and so are the crowds. Take the kids out of school if permitted.
11. Travel on Weekdays. Plan road trips for weekdays instead of weekends and save on lodgings, meals and entrance fees.
12. Military Discounts. Service members, active or retired, can get low cost lodgings on bases, rec centers, and Armed Forces vacation club rentals. You’re also eligible for discounts at some commercial hotels.
Save on Fun Stuff
13. Gift Cards. For birthdays or other occasions, ask friends and family for gift cards that are good for amusement parks, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
14. Free Scenery. US National Parks have free admission weekends. Check online before you go and plan for a veritable smorgasbord of scenic drives through our eye-popping parklands.
15. Meander. See a cute town whizzing by on your road trip? Pull over, get out of the car and explore. Downtown is a good place to start. Then just meander down side streets discovering historical architecture, tucked-away parks, quaint little shops, and of course friendly people only too happy to tell you about their town.
16. Take a 24-Hour Vacation. Can’t get away for a holiday? Then take budget day trips down roadways you haven’t traveled before. All it’ll cost is the fuel and a meal. You’ll feel refreshed and renewed.
There you go – 16 tips that prove the best things in life are either free or very reasonably priced. So start planning your next budget trip or scenic drive today.
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