If your perfect idea of summer fun involves a road trip with your family, then it’s time for some planning. Of course, it’s fairly easy to organize a road trip when you don’t have to think about your budget. However, if you want to stay frugal but still have a blast on this trip, it’s important that you consider several different factors. Budget-friendly road trips don’t have to be less enjoyable if you plan ahead. The following tips may help you get more organized so read on.
Avoid the busiest time
If you want to save money on gas and accommodation, it would be best to avoid the peak of summer holiday season. Even if you don’t want to stay in a hotel, it’s still better to avoid the traffic at this point in the season. When everyone is on the road, the costs shoot up, so scheduling your own family road trip before or after the summer rush will be more budget-friendly and fun for families who just want to relax.
Consider camping
Camping is a really interesting part of road trips. Moreover, it can save you a lot of money on accommodation. Plenty of popular road trip routes have camping sites along the way. What’s more, the kids will absolutely love the chance to spend their nights in a tent, surrounded by nature. Make sure to have your outdoor gears, sleeping bags, tents, hiking gears and other camping essentials packed. That way, you’ll also be able to make a stop wherever you think is appropriate.
Prep your vehicle
Before you start your journey, it’s essential that you check the condition of your vehicle. Sudden problems on the road are not only inconvenient but they can cost you a lot of money as well. Therefore, it would be best to have a professional inspect your vehicle. If you want to be on the safe side, research affordable mobile mechanic as an option to replace your air filters and spark plugs. You may also want to consider bringing a tank of gas with you, just in case.
Bring your own food
Eating on the road can be really expensive but very bad for your stomach as well. If you don’t want your family to suffer from bowel problems during the trip, make sure to bring your own food with you. Canned, non-perishable goods are the best choice. You can also bring plenty of tasty and healthy snacks for the kids, such as granola bars, nuts, dry fruit and similar. Of course, don’t forget about water. The best way to stay hydrated on a long trip without wasting money is to bring reusable water bottles. Every time you get the opportunity, remember to refill them.
Plan the activities
In order to have a blast, it’s essential that you know your main stops on your road trip. Visiting museums and other historical places is usually pretty affordable. Moreover, research the natural sights along your route so that you can get the chance to enjoy this particular beauty as well. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s important to keep them entertained while on the road. There are plenty of interesting car drive activities for kids so make sure you have some of them prepared in advance.
If you plan your road trip beforehand and create your perfect itinerary on a budget, you won’t have to worry about unforeseen situations and/or costs. Stay safe by inspecting your vehicle before the road trip and make sure that you have enough water between the stops since summer sun can be really unforgiving. Then, all that’s left is to enjoy your family time and make some unforgettable memories together.