Vacations don’t have to cost a lot of money to be enjoyed. They don’t need to involve expensive air travel or fancy hotel stays. In reality, the essence of a vacation is to temporarily escape the stresses of everyday life and explore new territory — and if you’re travelling with friends or family, you’ll have long-lasting memories to share.
Road trips are becoming an increasingly popular option for travellers looking for an adventure without a significant price tag. Hitting the open road can be just as enjoyable as boarding an airplane or a cruise ship — without the need for speedy cash options to finance your trip. These five budget-friendly tips can help you make the most of your springtime road trip.
1. Make Sure Your Car is Ready
While you can’t avoid fuel costs on a road trip, you can take preventive measures to make sure your car is ready to handle long-distance driving. Before you hit the road, take your vehicle to your local mechanic or dealership for a check-up.
Proper tire rotation and inflation, engine maintenance, oil checks, and rust-prevention are all crucial factors to consider before you take your car on a road trip. Once your vehicle has the green light, you’re free to take it as far as it can go.
2. Get Creative with Accommodations
More often than not, your accommodations are simply ap lace to lay your head at the end of the day. Spending money on expensive hotels or resorts is an easy way to soak up your entire travel budget. Road trips are all about adventure, so why not save some money on your sleeping arrangements and save it for the local food or entertainment?
Roadside motels are commonly found along major highways and offer comfortable and cost-effective accommodations. Plus, they often come with free continental breakfasts that you can take advantage of — saving your dollars for later in the day.
If you’re driving to a more remote destination or just prefer to be outdoors, consider taking along camping equipment and setting up at a nearby campground. You’ll save money on hotel costs and amenities, and you can still bring the essentials you need to enjoy the experience. Plus, it’ll make for even better memories.
3. Finding Free Entertainment
No matter which road trip destination you choose— or how many stops you make along the way — entertainment is a vital part of the experience. Rather than spend money on expensive theatre shows or big-ticket festivals, research the low-cost or free options in your chosen destination.
Museums are a budget-friendly option for travellers looking to soak up the local culture. Simultaneously, fans of the outdoors can take advantage of the parks, hiking trails, or cliffs surrounding their destination. In some cases — if you plan according to the time of year — you may be able to take part in a local food or music festival, which are often much less expensive than brand name festivals.