Road trips are a brilliant way to explore a country. Especially if you want to check out places that aren’t in the usual tourist traps. Of course, the only downside is that road trips can become an expensive excursion. The good news is that you can save money without compromising on what you do or where you go.
So, just what are the secrets to going on a road trip without being labelled a cheapskate? The following tips will show you how:
Drive around in a reliable car
Let’s face it. If you’re going to be driving hundreds, if not thousands of miles, you need to be sure of one thing. The car that you drive must be roadworthy, reliable and not leave you stranded!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving around in your car or one that you’ve hired. What does matter is you give it a thorough check before you drive. You know all those regular checks you should do on your car each week? Make sure you do them before your road trip.
In case you don’t know know what to check, here’s a quick round-up:
- Tyre conditions and pressures;
- Vital engine fluids;
- Wiper blades;
- Exterior lights.
It goes without saying that you should have breakdown cover for emergencies. But, by checking your car is reliable before you travel, you won’t have to pay expensive repair bills!
Plan the cheapest routes
There will be more than one to get to your destination by car. But, do you know which one will be the most cheapest option? The last thing you want to do is spend lots of money on fuel while you travel. What you should be doing is using a fuel calculator. They are handy websites that let you plot your routes and offer the least cost options.
So, you’ll still get to your desired destinations. The only difference is, you’ll have some spare money available to spend!
Use satellite navigation
Paper maps are a waste of time. Even if you buy the latest issue of a map, it will still be out-of-date! It makes sense to invest in a satellite navigation device. They are cheap to buy and most offer free map updates for life.
You can use them in any vehicle that has a 12v accessory socket available. Plus, many models have Bluetooth integration for map and traffic updates.
The good thing about sat-nav is they offer details on points of interest and amenities. So, you could plan visits to cheap or free attractions on your travels!
Buy food from a supermarket
Many people stop off at service stations along major roads. The trouble with that approach is they tend to charge high premiums for what is often mediocre food.
Instead, what you should do is stock up on supplies from local supermarkets. You can create your own sandwiches or treats and save lots of money. Plus, they will have a wider selection of food on offer than service stations.
Thanks for reading these tips – and good luck!