It’s time to plan for the holiday season, and while that means shopping, list-making and baking, it also means traveling for many of us. The peak time for booking low-cost flights for the holidays is quickly approaching, and there are plenty of tips to make sure you don’t have sticker shock after you book your airfare. But what about traveling to see family and friends by car? There are more than a few costly details when you hop in your vehicle for a road trip, not to mention the complications that winter can bring.
To keep costs down, prepare your car ahead of time, use a few helpful mobile apps and learn to share — and that’s just the beginning. All of the ideas below will help keep you in a festive mood to see all your distant relatives.
Do a thorough check on your vehicle weeks ahead of your trip:
Before the weather gets too cold and you run out of time in the busy weeks leading up to the holiday season, take your car in for a tune-up. Make sure your tires are rotated and ready for any kind of weather you might encounter in the coming weeks. Get your oil changed and have a professional look your car over to make sure it’s in the right condition for a long trip. These maintenance costs may put a small dent in your wallet, but they are insignificant compared to the costs you incur if your car breaks down on the road, which could include hotel stays, rental cars, expensive repairs, public transportation and more.
Call your credit cards in advance:
Chances are on your trip you might need to use your debit or credit cards along the way. Transactions that pop up in distant cities may alert your credit card company to potential fraud, so rather than risk your accounts being frozen, call them before you leave to let them know of your planned trip. It’s no fun at all when you try to use your card only to find it declined because of an unnecessary fraud alert.
Get smart about fuel:
Undoubtedly, the costliest expense on your road trip will be gas for your car. GasBuddy is a highly praised mobile app that will help find the cheapest gas in your area.
One way to make the most of all the money you’re spending on fuel is with your credit card. Many gas stations offer credit cards with cash back incentives; if you commute regularly in addition to holiday road trips, this option could greatly benefit you. Otherwise, use your regular credit card with rewards for gas purchases. Lastly, some gas stations partner with grocery store rewards programs. It could be challenging to fuel up exclusively at the same stations across multiple states, but a little bit of planning could pay off. Scan your grocery rewards card when you fill up at partner stations, and your Thanksgiving dinner might just pay for itself!
Pack a snack:
There will be countless fast food restaurants and grab ‘n go snacks at convenience stores and rest stops to tempt you on your trip. While a small indulgence here and there won’t do much harm, eating solely take out on a long drive can add up very quickly. Pack lunch, dinner and a few snacks so you don’t need to rely on fast food. This strategy will be especially helpful if you plan to travel back roads or long, desolate stretches of highway.
No car? No problem:
If you need to get home to see your family but don’t own a vehicle, there are frugal options for you, too. You can always carpool or participate in a ride share with acquaintances and friends headed to the same area; check your city’s alumni groups if you don’t know anyone. Of course, you can consider a rental vehicle, but don’t fall victim to upselling or the marked up rates at airports. Book through a cash back shopping website and search for coupon codes and deals before you make your reservation. You might be able to get a discount through your credit card or club memberships, too.
If you’re planning to travel by car this season, be sure to follow these tips so you’re wallet — and you — arrive at your destination fully intact!
More from U.S. News
10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping
10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Spend Your Free Time
12 Frugal Ways to Save on Vacation
How to Save Money on Holiday Travel by Car originally appeared on usnews.com
