Now that gas prices have dropped below $2 per gallon, it’s an ideal time to consider taking a road trip. Whether you’re planning to take a short day trip or a more extensive vacation, there are several practical tips that can help you save a considerable amount of money while you travel the open road.
Perform routine maintenance on your car before you leave. Checking all the basics before you hit the road will help ensure your vehicle is running efficiently during your trip. Double check the tire pressure, and make sure all your fluids are filled and lights are operating properly (turn signals, brake lights, headlights). Take a few minutes to get your oil changed, especially if you plan to put a considerable number of miles on your vehicle while you’re gone. And of course, be sure to start the trip with a full tank of gas.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Whether you stop at a fast food restaurant, gas station, or convenience store, you’ll pay considerably higher for snacks and drinks than you would if you buy them before you leave home. If you’re not a fan of traveling with a case of water bottles, consider taking reusable water bottles that can be refilled at rest stops. Pack snacks that are both portable as well as nutritious. Nuts, pre-sliced fruit, granola bars, cheese sticks, and drinkable yogurts all make a quick and easy snack.
Plan ahead for emergencies. While no one wants to experience an unforeseen event while traveling, it’s always best to plan for the unexpected. Have an emergency kit on hand in your vehicle, stocked with bandages, antibiotic cream, an ice pack, and medications appropriate to the ages of those traveling (Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, etc.). Also, be sure to have a stash of disposable wipes and storage bags to help clean up spills and contain garbage along the way.
Make reservations ahead of time to find the best bargain. If you wait to find lodging accommodations until the end of the evening when everyone’s exhausted and ready to do anything but drive any further, you aren’t likely to find a very good bargain. However, by planning ahead of time, you can search for the best rate in the area you plan to stay. And don’t forget to ask about added perks. Many hotels offer a free continental breakfast or a kids eat free promotion, which will help you stretch your vacation dollars a little further.
Save money ahead of time for your trip. It’s easy to overspend when you’re traveling. Between meals out, unexpected stops, souvenirs, and local attractions, the expenses can add up very quickly. If you create a budget and save money ahead of time, you’ll be prepared for the expenses that occur during the trip. Plus, if you use a pre-paid credit card as opposed to a traditional credit card, you won’t have to worry about paying off debt once you return home from your trip.
Plan your route before you leave home. In order to save time and money on fuel expenses, it’s best to plan out your intended route before you leave home. This will help ensure that you’re taking the most direct route to your destination. Of course, it’s impossible to predict heavy traffic or unexpected construction, so it’s ideal to have an updated GPS or smart phone available to access for unplanned route changes.
Pack car friendly activities. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s always best to have a variety of activities on hand to keep them entertained on the road. Activities that are ideal for the car include coloring books and crayons, magnetic books, finger puppets, books, paper dolls, travel games, handheld games, books on CD, and movies. A content carload of people equates to less stops along the way and a happier trip for all.
Utilize daily deal sites to save on attractions and dining. If you plan to participate in the attractions and events local to your destination, it’s helpful to reference daily deal sites such as Groupon and Living Social. These sites will save you a considerable amount of money on restaurants, attractions, and shopping during your travels. Since most of these deals have a fairly long expiration date, you can research the possibilities and purchase them in advance of your trip as well.
Secure your home before you leave. Making sure that your home is secure while you’re away not only provides you peace of mind while you’re gone, but it can also save you a considerable amount of money in preventing unexpected emergencies. Be sure to stop your mail and paper while you’re away, and leave a few lights on or set to a timer. If you have an alarm system, set it before you leave, and make sure that all the windows and doors are securely closed and locked. If you’re concerned about an unexpected leak, take a quick minute to turn off your water, and remember to adjust your heater/air conditioner as you won’t need it to run as often while you’re away.
Pack smart to avoid unnecessary purchases. Before you leave for your trip, try to think of every possible scenario in order to pack appropriately. If you’re going to a warm weather destination, you’ll likely need a bathing suit, beach towel, and sunscreen. Cold weather? Don’t forget a coat, hat, and gloves. By planning ahead of time, you’ll avoid unnecessary purchases while you’re gone.
To stretch your savings even further when you’re traveling, you can utilize the Sunoco Rewards card to save $0.05 on each gallon of gas purchased at a participating Sunoco station, and earn valuable rewards along the way as well.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Sunoco. All opinions expressed on Cincinnati Cents are (as always!) mine.