Avoid Going Broke On Your Next Road Trip

Snacking

Everyone knows the best part about a road trip is the tasty snacks you eat along the way. One way to save is to pack alternatives from home, buy family size chips and divide them out yourself. You can also pack a small cooler with water and sodas to save a little more, and stop a little less.

Eating More

When it is finally time to stop and refuel on more than just a bag of chips you may be tempted to go to a familiar chain restaurant. Next time, try opting for a local establishment. The prices are usually better and often the serving sizes are much larger. If nothing looks appealing you can always stop at the local grocery store and put together a meal yourself or stop by the deli.

Fueling Up

Using an app to search out the best gas prices in the area will help you save no matter where you are traveling! GasBuddy is a popular option; and keep in mind that some fuel stations like Kroger (with Fuel Points) or Costco can save you even more. Don’t forget before any trip over an hour it is always good idea to examine the car for any minor issues such as tire pressure, fluid levels, and signal lights. Ensuring your tires have proper air pressure can save you fuel in the long run.

Sleeping

Planning on driving through the night? It is ill advised to finish a 24 hour road trip without at least a few hours of sleep. If you know where you will be stopping for the night, booking a hotel room ahead of time is often cheaper than just walking into a hotel/motel. If you enjoy the outdoors you can check out campsites near where you’re planning to stop. This may be a lower-cost option than a hotel.

Entertainment

Are we there yet? Prevent the question by bringing along some items to keep kids busy. If you plan on stopping at a rest stop a frisbee or ball can burn off some energy and doesn’t take up a lot of room in the car. You can also win parent of the year with a grab bag of new toys. Stock up on toys, games and puzzles at the local Dollar Store to stock your grab bag without breaking the budget.

Itching to hit the road but need a new car? It’s a great time to purchase a new or used vehicle. Check out Christian Financial’s new and used auto loan rates to save money on your auto loan payment. With an online application you can apply from anywhere in five minutes or less. Flexible terms will ensure you’re getting a payment that won’t hurt – unlike the overpriced snacks at the convenience store on your road trip.

Happy trails!