Ever wished you could simply jump in the car and embark on an adventure? I recently put together my list of things to do in the forthcoming years, and among them was the dream of a cross-country exploration by road. Interestingly, not a week after, a friend texted and invited me on a road trip to Mount Rushmore during spring break this month. It seemed like an opportunity not to miss.
Now, I’m in the process of settling my non-mortgage debts this year, on an aggressive payment plan. Despite this, I still want to find room for enjoyment and exploration with my friend. Hence, I’ve decided to embark on a frugal road trip this month. I’ll share some useful tips so you too can plan a cost-conscious spring break road trip if that’s on your mind.
First, you might want to consider the car that’s best for the trip. The cost of fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle could form a significant chunk of your expenditure. Ideally, you may want to use your car or a friend’s if they’ll join the trip. Renting can be pricey, especially with many miles to cover. For instance, a Florida trip I took with my family last year cost us around $800 for a one-week car rental.
However, if you need to rent, explore cost-effective alternatives like Turo, a platform for borrowing cars at affordable rates. Also, consider possible discounts from bundling car rentals with hotel bookings. Using your car, you won’t worry about mileage charges and additional insurance. Just ensure your car is roadworthy. If you’ve kept your car in good condition, a 10 to 15-hour road trip should be a breeze.
Moreover, be sure to have insurance that covers roadside assistance in emergencies. In my case, the auto insurance my spouse and I have includes this feature, and we only pay $90 monthly for two cars.
Also, don’t hesitate to involve your friends in fuel expenses. Come up with a fuel budget by calculating the distance from your starting point to your destination, and request your friends to chip in for fuel and tolls, so the expenses are shared equally.
Regarding food, it’s advisable to pack enough snacks and meals for the trip to avoid spending on restaurants. For instance, during my 13-hour drive spring break trip with my friend, I plan to pack lots of food and snacks. You can stock up on a variety of snacks such as chips, popcorn, beef jerky, granola bars, and even fruits and vegetables. Pack water and coffee and consider sandwiches for meals. The bottom line is, if you’d rather save, you don’t need to buy from restaurants during your frugal spring break road trip.
When it comes to accommodation, basic options will do. Affordable lodging allows you to allocate more funds to sightseeing. Fortunately for me, my friend’s dad used his loyalty reward points to book our hotel at no cost. If you have similar rewards, consider using them to save on accommodation.
Next month, I’m planning another road trip with family, which I intend to fund predominantly from the cashback from my Citi Double Cash credit card. With no limits on earnings, I use this card for purchases like groceries, gas, and business expenses, earning cashback both on purchases and when I settle the bill.
Airbnb is another cost-saving option for lodging. It’s typically cheaper than most hotels, particularly when you’re staying in a smaller city. For instance, in my area, entire three-bedroom houses can be rented for as low as $45-50 per night via Airbnb, providing reasonable rates for private rooms or entire houses.
To keep the road trip interesting, consider stopping to take in free or affordable attractions. Things like national parks or local events can make the journey more fun, give everyone a chance to stretch, and create memorable moments. Plus, it helps you avoid traffic during peak hours. If you’re up for it, you could even camp out – it’s relatively inexpensive and can sometimes even be free.
With a bit of frugality, your spring break road trip can be not only affordable but also unforgettable. Embrace these tips, gather a few friends or family, a well-maintained vehicle, some tasty snacks, and your spirit of adventure.
So, do you have any road trips planned this year? What’s your dream destination for a road trip?
