Tips to Save on Road Trips

It’s finally springtime and that means the weather is warming up and everyone wants to start getting out of their houses. A perfect way to spend a weekend is going on a road trip. From Kansas, you could visit places like Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Springfield or even Denver. We have compiled a couple of cost-saving tips to help get you on your way down the road.

Transportation. After you have decided where you are going then you should find the cheapest way to get there, either by cutting back driving time or avoiding the costly toll roads. There is an app called “Gas Buddy” that can help you identify the cheapest gas stations along your route to help give you more bang for your buck.

Lodging. If you plan far enough in advance and travel during an “off peak” time you will probably be able to find better rates then traveling when everyone else wants to. You should check Groupon to see if they have any hotel discounts. You can also check out AirBnb, they often have very nice rooms or even whole houses for much less then you would pay for a hotel.

Activities and Food. You should have a plan of what you are going to do for activities and where you are going to eat. That way you are able to ensure that you will have enough money for the entire trip and can stick to your budget. Check Groupon to see if you can find coupons for any activities that you want to do while you are there and sometimes you can even score food coupons or giftcards as well. Also check the websites for any places that you want to visit and see if they offer any discounts for example, kids get in free on Tuesday nights.

Before Leaving. If you are not renting a car then you should take your car in for a tune up and get the oil changed, get all your fluids filled, air up your tires and have an inspection to make sure everything is in working condition. As for your supplies, make a packing list before hand so you make sure you pack important items like a phone charger and sunscreen to avoid having to buy what you already had at home.

On the road. You should make and pack your own snacks for the car ride. The prices of gas station snacks and drinks can add up quickly. Also bring along your own case of water bottles or a refillable bottle. Make sure you also pack some free entertainment while you’re driving. You don’t want to rack up extra costs on your data plan by going over your limits. When you stop for meals, try to avoid fast food places like McDonalds or Taco Bell and go for the little mom-and-pop diners instead. You get more food at a better price and you get to try somewhere new.

Using all of these tips you should be able to have a fun and cost-friendly vacation.