You’ve got the gifts bought, the family packed in the car, and you’re ready to take off for your holiday celebration somewhere down the road. You chuckle as you see almost every other vehicle exit for the airport knowing that you have saved lots of cash road tripping it instead of shelling out the bucks for expensive flights. But wait, are there spending pitfalls ahead? See my suggestions below for avoiding costly potholes.
- Gas up at the least expensive place you know before you go. It’s amazing how much gas costs can differ at different stations and in different parts of the country. Make sure you have downloaded the GasBuddy App for your phone. This money saving app will show you the cheapest places to buy gas nearby on the go. Additionally, unless your car has a turbo/high performance engine, you only need regular unleaded gas. http://gasbuddy.com/GasBuddyMobileApps.aspx
- If you have room, bring snacks or even meals with you. Hitting the grocery store and stocking up before you go can be one of the most valuable (and healthy) ways to successfully plan for a road trip. Lots of families end up spending quite a bit of money on snacks at gas stations and meals at restaurants along the way. If you choose to eat out on your way, breakfast is the best bet because it’s usually the cheapest meal to eat at a restaurant.
- Service your car before you go. While you might feel servicing your car is an added expense, it can save you considerable money and hassle on your road trip. Check your tire pressure to make sure it’s at an optimum level and if your tread is low, buy new tires. Get an oil change and don’t speed on the road. All of these will add up to savings on gas and each item can influence how much gas your car uses. Having your car serviced can also save you time and will help you avoid costly repairs on the road.
- If you're traveling more than 1,000 miles you might consider renting a car to avoid wear and tear on your car which will cost you more in the long run. If you own a large SUV or other gas guzzling vehicle, it can also be good to drive a more fuel efficient vehicle and save money on gas. I’ve gotten cars for about $50/day or less on Priceline.com (Name your own price) if I’m renting from anywhere other than an airport location. If you will gone for a relatively short time but are spending lots of time on the road, this can be a great option. www.priceline.com.
- Consider ditching the car altogether. While a road trip is often an economical way to go, it can also be a dangerous way to go. We’ve all heard the stats about automotive fatalities vs. airplane fatalities. So if not a plane or an automobile, how about a train? Amtrak tickets can be an economical option and much more fun than being cooped up in a car or a plane. www.amtrak.com