Frugal travel tips for road trips

What better way for the frugal traveler to stretch both their budget and vacation allowance than by taking road trips on long weekends? Here are some of my best tips to reduce that cost even more.

Keeping the cooler cool

Packing an accessible cooler full of drinks and snacks is a great cost-cutting option. To maximize the cooler space, instead of filling it with ice, freeze water bottles and under-filled drinks (including drinking boxes, making for healthier juice) No more soggy sandwiches or spilled water in the back seat .

Eat where the truckers eat

For longer road trips, travelers may have to look out of the fridge to eat. Instead of frequenting the usual fast food chains, keep an eye out for local roadside restaurants with haul trucks parked outside. When truckers find a place with good, inexpensive meals, they tell their friends.

Note: Just because the sign says Truck Stop does not mean the truckers are stopping. Vehicles never lie.

Keeping the kids entertained

This is a trick that I stole from my mom. Whenever we went on a long road trip, she would look for coloring books and crayons. It may not sound exciting, except that it was … for us. During a road trip it was the only time we were allowed a new coloring book.

Updated for today’s kid, save some toys or video games just to use on road trips. This could be a new toy or one of your favorites. The novelty of the toy will keep kids busy and eager for long car rides.

Preparing the vehicle

Road trips mean relying on your vehicle, so prep work is essential. Check all fluids, oil, antifreeze / coolant, wiper solvent (to see if there are errors that accumulate on all travel vehicles). Check the tires, making sure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Check all belts and hoses for wear.

AAA or other vehicle assistance programs

Frequent road travelers should consider a AAA membership or other vehicle assistance program, especially if they have an older vehicle. A trailer and the member country to itself. Also, no hassle for local mechanics / tow trucks.

One of the benefits I love about AAA is their TripTiks, which are complete road maps with information like roadworks (very useful during the summer season) and rest stops. There are even billboards about every town that passes.

Road trips are a great way to see more local destinations and stretch your travel budget.