Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
We’re all longing for the warmer temperatures of spring. So while you’re waiting for the winter thaw, let’s begin to think through ways you can save when you hit the road this spring, whether for spring break or a weekend get away.
1. Hotels: Shop Around: Don’t just fall into the trap of stopping at the first hotel you see when you stop. Calculate when you want to stop {I love the site Meetways which calculates a halfway point between two addresses} and where you want to stay and then begin the bargaining. Hotwire & Priceline are two of my favs but if you’re iffy on not knowing exactly where you’ll stay, use a site like Better Bidding to get at least a guess on which hotel you might end up at. If you want to go a more traditional route, be sure to at least choose a hotel line that has a rewards program and stick with it for all of your stays. You’ll gain freebies, perks, & eventually maybe even a free night’s stay.
2. Pack Snacks: Not unlike being at home, food is often a financial trap on a road trip. So spend your weekly grocery budget picking up some items for the road. If I totaled up your gas station snacks, you just might wince at what you could get for the same amount in the grocery aisles. Fruit, nuts, granola bars, cereal, bottled water or other beverages, crackers, & more all keep without refrigeration and keep costs under control too. Even if you commit to eating only 1 meal packed from home on the road {breakfast is typically the easiest}, your family save anywhere from $20-$50 a day.
3. Bring a Brita: Even touching a bottle of water in a hotel room can incur a ridiculous price tag. Consider purchasing a small Brita pitcher that you can bring with you in the car. You can use it after the trip or better yet bring one you already have. No nasty tap or $5 bottles and less space taken up in your car than a flat of water, too.
4. Stop at Grocery Stores for Lunch: We began doing this back when the King of Free went restaurant free. Instead of making our “rest” stops restaurants, we’d stop at a grocery {many big box stores are often nearby interstate exits}. For what we would pay for a cookie or two in a restaurant, we could buy a dozen in a store. Purchase snacks or meals, stretch your legs, and pick up items you might have forgotten to pack before you reach your destination.
5. Prep Your Ride: Be sure your family vehicle is prepared for the trip. Not only will you avoid a breakdown on the side of the road, you’ll also increase your gas mileage and save over the course of the trip. Be sure to check your tire pressure {it will improve your gas mileage 3-4%}. An oil change or new filter will help your vehicle run smoothly and maximize each penny of gas that you purchase, too.
What’s your favorite way to save when road trippin’ it?
Interested in learning more about coupons from the Queen of Free herself? Check out the Royal Coupon Class on February 23rd at His Place Ice Cream and Coffee on the southside of Indy. Register for the Royal Coupon Class now!
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