Budget friendly tips for road trips with the family
The costs associated with road trips can add up quickly. Here are eight budget-friendly tips to help you plan an amazing road trip experience for the whole family without breaking the bank. These practical suggestions will help you cut costs but also add a touch of adventure to your journey your family will never forget!
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PACK SNACKS
One of the biggest expenses during road trips is eating out at restaurants. You're excited to see the local spots, try the coffee shops, etc. You don't have to skip this altogether. If you're addicted to coffee shops like me, allow yourself that experience and save where else you can. Pack a cooler filled with drinks, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Not only will this help you cut costs, but it also allows you to choose healthier options and cater to everyone's tastes.
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Plan Picnic meals
Snacks on the road are nice, but you will eventually have to stop for actual meals. Instead of eating at restaurants every time, plan picnic lunches at scenic rest stops or local parks along the way. Not only will this save money, but it will also allow your family to enjoy the outdoors and have a unique dining experience. Eating it on grass, a blanket, or a picnic table makes everything taste better. Give it a try!
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USE DISCOUNT PASSES AND COUPONS
Many tourist destinations offer discounted passes or coupons for families. Look for deals on attractions, museums, amusement parks, and botanical gardens. These passes often provide significant savings, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Some museums often have free days. Do your research before visiting the area and see what kind of freebies it has to offer. One notable discount pass is America the Beautiful, which is used for national parks, and if you plan to visit three or more, it can be a huge savings!
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CONSIDER CAMPING
This is always my go-to when trying not to spend a ton on the road. Camping not only saves you money but also adds a touch of adventure to your road trip. My favorite thing about camping is it allows you to truly experience your surroundings, terrain, wildlife, and all. There are several camping apps that will get you the right rates and amenities for your family. My favorite is Hipcamp! I like to say it's like Airbnb for campsites. You can pick what works for you, and they even have glamping and lodging options if you're not ready to go all in. Another great one is The Dyrt. Similar to Hipcamp, but has additional features like the ability to find free, dispersed camping on public lands.
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Look for budget-friendly accommodations
If camping isn't your thing, as I mentioned above, many camping apps also offer glamping and lodging. Sites like Tentrr, Hipcamp, and The Dyrt have alternative accommodations like treehouses, yurts, and tiny houses. Your family can have an unforgettable experience among the trees while you save money!
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Entertainment on a Budget
Keep your family entertained during the long drives without spending a fortune. Bring along books, magazines, and travel guides to encourage reading. There are plenty of interesting storytelling apps for kids, audiobooks, and interactive car games to help ward off the bored cries from the backseat. Make stops at local parks, playgrounds, and natural attractions for free or low-cost activities that allow your kids to stretch their legs and burn off some energy.
If you're looking for some great apps to keep the family entertained, check out my block post 23 Road Tripping Apps for the Family
One of the most interesting apps on the list is Hearplanet which offers audio guides from all over the world so your family can learn about these locations as you drive through them.
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Bring Reusable Water Bottles and Snack Containers
Buying bottled water and snacks from convenience stores can quickly add up. Instead, bring reusable water bottles and refill them at gas stations or rest areas. Pack healthy snacks in reusable containers to not only saving you money, but it also contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable road trip.
Here are a few of my favorite reusables. If you'd like the complete list, head over to my post 20 Cross-Country Must Haves for the Family
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Choose Off-Peak Travel Times
Timing is everything when it comes to road trips. Try to plan your trip during off-peak seasons or weekdays, as accommodations and attractions tend to offer lower rates during these times. This will also help you avoid heavy traffic during peak travel periods, saving time and fuel while enjoying a more relaxed drive.
One of my dream road trips is to visit a few national parks in the winter. Snow-capped monuments are not something everyone gets to experience, and I know it would not only be unforgettable but save me money in the long run.
Related posts
Weekend Trips - How to Make the Most of your Vacation Days
How to Enjoy a Road Trip While Pregnant
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The ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
