Road tripping is a time-honored tradition in the U.S., where paved pathways meander up towering mountains and highways rim sandy coastlines.
Our country abounds with sites, cities and natural beauty, and a family road trip is one of the best ways to explore it all. And with gas prices at an all-time low, road tripping can also be one of the most affordable ways to vacation — that is, with the right approach.
Low fuel rates don’t necessarily guarantee a wallet-friendly trip. Without proper planning, the cost of food, accommodations and activities can quickly pile up. To ensure your open-road adventure is as cost-effective as it is fun, check out our guide to affordable family road trips.
Plan your route.
After calculating the distance and time of your trip, you can estimate how much you will spend on gas, accommodations and food. There are a variety of travel apps that can help you determine the cost of your trip, including The Trip Budget Calculator for Android or Travelmath for IOS.
[See: 12 Ways to Save Money on Food.]
Give your car a tune.
Before hitting the road, make sure your engine is tuned, your oil is fresh and your tires are inflated to the highest recommended pressure. Not only will this maximize your gas mileage, but it’ll help you avoid costly breakdowns.
Avoid fueling up on holidays and weekends.
Gas prices tend to rise during these periods. Instead, hit the gas station midweek, and consider kicking off your trip long before or after Independence Day.
Stock up on snacks.
Gas station candy, chips and soda are not only bad for your health, they’re bad for your budget. Avoid impulse purchases by stocking up on healthy, mess-free snacks, such as carrot sticks, apples and raisins. Be sure to pack up plenty of water in refillable bottles.
Picnic.
Instead of hitting the drive-thrus and chain restaurants, head to local grocery stores. At supermarkets, you can replenish your snack supply and shop for sandwich and salad fixings. With your newly acquired chow, you can have a picnic at a local park. By picnicking, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air, stretch your legs and shrink your food budget significantly.
[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]
Go camping.
Why shell out for an expensive hotel when you can sleep underneath the stars? While hotels can run upwards of $100, campsites will typically set you back no more than $30; in fact, many campgrounds along the open road are free. Dig out your tent, grab some sleeping bag and check out sites like Freecampsites.net to locate the free campgrounds on your route.
Score a deal on accommodations.
It pays to make reservations ahead of time, when you can search for the lowest rates and exclusive online promotions. But with little ones, it’s not always easy to stick to a tight schedule. Happily, there are a variety of apps designed to help you score deals on-the-go, such as HotelTonight or Booking Now. You can also always count on chain motels to have affordable rates and locations scattered across the country.
Drive smart.
The way you drive can have a big impact on your gas mileage. Speeding can decrease your fuel efficiency, while abruptly stopping and accelerating takes up extra gas. Rolling down your windows — surprisingly — causes more strain on the engine than using your AC.
[See: 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016.]
Download a good GPS app.
Gone are the days of fumbling around with paper maps. Today, GPS systems can determine the quickest routes and guide you straight to your destination. Try a GPS app like Roadtrippers, which can help you plan your route, calculate gas costs and provide you with info on hotels, campgrounds and points of interest along your journey.
Plan plenty of on-the-go entertainment.
Cranky, bored kids are likely to plead for more stops. Bring along the youngsters’ favorite books and music to help keep boredom at bay. Play driving games like I Spy with My Little Eye and 20 Questions.
Find fun, free activities and attractions. Of course, the real fun happens when you stop the car and explore the local sites. Look for free sightseeing and entertainment opportunities, such as free museums, zoos, art shows, concerts, festivals and parks. Take to the great outdoors and go for a swim at the beach, a hike through the forest, or a romp around a local playground.
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A Guide to Fun and Affordable Family Road Trips originally appeared on usnews.com
