Most road warriors figure out pretty quickly how to get the most bang for their buck. They know how to find the best value motels, to pack a cooler of their own food, and where the cheapest attractions are. But there is still money to be saved. After all, wouldn't you rather have that little bit of extra money for souvenirs rather than wasting it somewhere along the way. So here are some more tips from US News to save money on your road trip.
Pack carefully. Better yet, create a checklist that you can re-use each year so that packing becomes a snap. Sure, anything you've forgotten you can probably buy along the way. But what a waste when you already have whatever-it-is at home! Making a list ahead of time will help you stay on track.
Plan your fuel stops. Gas prices tend to soar in the summer anyway, but it certainly gets higher in some places than in others. I drove from Virginia to New Hampshire this summer, and the gas went up $0.50 a gallon over the course of the trip. If you're options are open as far as destination, do a little research and head in a direction where the gas gets cheaper, or at least not more expensive. And use an app like gasbuddy to make sure you're getting the best price wherever you are.
Double-check your hotel room for valuables. Chances are that your hotel will hold whatever they find for you, but it only takes one dishonest room service employee to make sure your smart phone disappears forever. And even if they do hold it for you, having to come all the way back will cost you in both time and gas. Taking an extra two minutes to be extra-thorough before you check out can save you a lot of money and aggravation later.
Free breakfast. Most value motels won't offer a full breakfast, but chances are there will be cereal, yogurt, pastries, and coffee. Take advantage. Starting off with a full belly will keep the kids quiet longer, and the morning caffeine will mean one less stop at Starbucks.
Any other tips to save money on your road trip? Let me know in the comments!
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