With the summer travel season kicking off, consumers are packing their bags and looking forward to another vacation. According to a recent Bread Financial study, 8 in 10 summer travelers have adjusted their travel plans due to rising costs; 22 percent will travel domestically instead of internationally, and 21 will opt for a road trip instead of flying to save money.
Road trips can be a more budget-friendly option, but with the price of gas exceeding $4 a gallon and food & beverage prices 25 percent more expensive than they were in 2020, a road trip can cost more than we anticipate.
Here are our favorite ways to save money on your road trip.
Pay the Right Way
How you pay for everything from gas to groceries to hotels really matters.
For instance, many gas stations offer discounted cash-only pricing, which can save you 5-10 cents a gallon.
For other things, paying with a credit card that allows you to earn cashback or travel points will give you bang for your buck. Plus, most credit cards have exclusive partnerships with retailers and travel providers, so visit your credit card’s website to check out the perks on offer.
And if you belong to hotel loyalty programs, remember to see how many points you have. You might qualify for a free night, an upgrade, or extra amenities, like late checkout or free snacks.
Stock Up on Snacks
Rather than stopping at gas stations and roadside convenience stores for snacks, go to a grocery store where the prices will be lower. Opting for the store brand can save you up to 25 percent. If you’re feeding several people and have a wholesale club membership, buying wholesale can save you up to 40 percent.
Keep snacks cool and fresh in a soft-sided cooler bag. Why soft instead of hard? A soft cooler is light enough to carry with you on an impromptu picnic and it’s collapsible when not in use so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space in the car.
Another handy must-have is a waterproof blanket. They are great for picnics and are useful in the car for cozy napping.
Save with Apps
Download some essential apps to help you on your journey. For example, the Travelzoo app geo-targets your location to showcase exclusive deals at nearby restaurants.
You can also save time and money with the Waze app. Not only does Waze provide crowdsourced navigation, but you can also use it to search for gas stations and choose based on the pricing that the app provides.
Google Maps is another favorite of mine. It will alert you to nearby police, objects in the road, and it will re-route you to save time. It will also help you locate the most budget-friendly gas stations.
Look for Perks
When you’re booking hotels, look for amenities, like free breakfast and snacks. Breakfast is sometimes additional, so compare prices before deciding. Even if there is a fee, the fee can be less expensive than eating breakfast at a restaurant.
At some hotels, like Fairmont hotels, Four Seasons, and Starwood/Marriot, kids eat free, so look for that too. And at hotels with breakfast buffets, you can often fill up your travel mug with coffee for the road.
I am a fan of Kimpton hotels and they offer a complimentary wine hour every day. Embassy Suites hotels often offer cocktail receptions, which are an effective way to save on your night out.
Buy Tickets & Passes In Advance
If you plan to visit attractions along the way, buying tickets ahead of time can no only save you money, but it can help you avoid long lines at popular attractions.
When booking, compare prices between online aggregators, like Trip Advisor or Groupon, with booking directly with the venue. Sometimes the aggregators have deal pricing, but conversely, sometimes booking directly with the venue will help you avoid extra fees.
Leave a Reply