Road Trip Hacks to Save Money
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Warmer weather is here, and there's no better way to have some weekend fun than taking a road trip. Pack your bags, fill your gas tank, gather your family, and hit the open road! But, as with any type of vacation, road trips can get expensive. Here are some ideas for summer savings on your next road trip.
The More the Merrier
One way to ensure you enjoy summer savings is to invite more family or friends. This way you can split costs, like lodging and gas. They help keep you company while you're on the road, too.
Bring Food
Food can eat up your budget and ruin your weekend fun, especially if you're eating out for every meal. Bring a cooler with sandwiches and other items for the first day or two. And pack smart with nonperishable snacks on your road trip so you aren't tempted to hit the drive-thru every time you feel your stomach growl.
If you do plan to eat out, plan ahead. For example, there are many places where you can buy gift cards to chain restaurants for less than face value. If you know one of those restaurants will be along your route, consider investing in enough for a meal or two.
Sleep Cheaply
For most people, road trips are more about weekend fun and exploring new cities, not staying in fancy hotels. Chances are you'll be in a hotel room barely long enough to sleep and shower anyway. With that in mind, opt for alternative lodging. Don't shy away from cheap motels as long as they're safe and clean. Consider other options, like bringing a tent along and camping or checking out the local Airbnb options.
Use a Gas App
Using an app to find the cheapest gas in your area is a huge step toward summer savings. Options like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, Waze, and MapQuest Gas Prices are awesome tools that will guide you in the right direction to save some change.
Find Other Ways to Save On Gas
In addition to using an app, look for other little ways to save on gas, like packing smart. The heavier your car is, the more gas it'll use. By packing smart, you leave unnecessary items at home and lighten your load. Other ways to save include using cruise control, avoiding rush-hour traffic, driving a steady 60 to 65 miles per hour, taking the interstate instead of backroads, making sure your tires are fully inflated, and getting a tune-up before you leave.
Still ready to hit the road but aren't sure you can afford it? Apply for a loan from NiceLoans! Our application process is fast, easy, and secure. Click here to find your nearest store location and get funded in thirty minutes or less!
The More the Merrier
One way to ensure you enjoy summer savings is to invite more family or friends. This way you can split costs, like lodging and gas. They help keep you company while you're on the road, too.
Bring Food
Food can eat up your budget and ruin your weekend fun, especially if you're eating out for every meal. Bring a cooler with sandwiches and other items for the first day or two. And pack smart with nonperishable snacks on your road trip so you aren't tempted to hit the drive-thru every time you feel your stomach growl.
If you do plan to eat out, plan ahead. For example, there are many places where you can buy gift cards to chain restaurants for less than face value. If you know one of those restaurants will be along your route, consider investing in enough for a meal or two.
Sleep Cheaply
For most people, road trips are more about weekend fun and exploring new cities, not staying in fancy hotels. Chances are you'll be in a hotel room barely long enough to sleep and shower anyway. With that in mind, opt for alternative lodging. Don't shy away from cheap motels as long as they're safe and clean. Consider other options, like bringing a tent along and camping or checking out the local Airbnb options.
Use a Gas App
Using an app to find the cheapest gas in your area is a huge step toward summer savings. Options like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, Waze, and MapQuest Gas Prices are awesome tools that will guide you in the right direction to save some change.
Find Other Ways to Save On Gas
In addition to using an app, look for other little ways to save on gas, like packing smart. The heavier your car is, the more gas it'll use. By packing smart, you leave unnecessary items at home and lighten your load. Other ways to save include using cruise control, avoiding rush-hour traffic, driving a steady 60 to 65 miles per hour, taking the interstate instead of backroads, making sure your tires are fully inflated, and getting a tune-up before you leave.
Still ready to hit the road but aren't sure you can afford it? Apply for a loan from NiceLoans! Our application process is fast, easy, and secure. Click here to find your nearest store location and get funded in thirty minutes or less!