Nothing gives that sense of adventure like a road trip. Miles of open road, dozens of scenic views, and exploring new places are some of the many experiences that make a road trip so enjoyable. The best part about a road trip is that you can have your epic getaway without breaking the budget. Here are seven ways to road trip for less.
1. Build a savings and establish a budget
Like any vacation, a road trip requires some money and needs a budget. Mapping out your timeline and trip details in advance will give you time to build up savings for the trip. With MSGCU’s You-Name-It Savings accounts, you can set up a secondary savings account and name it “vacation” so you can easily see your progress. The budget should include expenses like fuel, accommodations, food, and activities. Leave some room for unexpected costs that may pop up, and set a fixed amount for each of your planned expenses to help keep your spending in check.
When planning your budget, figure out which cards you’re going to bring with you. If you’re leaving your local area (out of the state or country) notify your financial institution so a travel alert can be placed on your cards. This will allow you to use your cards without any difficulty while you’re traveling.
Tip: You can set travel alerts for your MSGCU debit and credit cards in the Mobile App. Select Card Controls from the menu then Schedule Travel for This Card.
2. Optimize your route
Saving money on your road trip starts with careful route planning. Plot your destinations in advance, consider the most efficient routes and try to minimize backtracking and/or unnecessary detours. Your phone’s map app can be super-helpful when planning a cost-effective route.
3. Save on fuel
Gas will be one of the biggest costs of your road trip, so it’s important to plan right for maximum savings. If you have options, choose a vehicle that is more fuel efficient for your road trip, such as a smaller car or a hybrid. It’s also a good idea to ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition before you set out on your trip as this can improve its fuel efficiency, and possibly prevent any car troubles along the way. Finally, consider traveling during off-peak times, such as autumn, so you aren’t paying a premium for gas just because most of the country is vacationing the same week as you.
With all the money you’ll spend on gas, you should be rewarded. When you pay with an MSGCU Rewards Visa you earn points on every purchase. And, from July 1 through September 30, you can earn double points at gas stations, plus triple points for eligible purchases at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and one point for all other purchases. Learn more.
4. Consider purchasing a National Park pass
If seeing America the Beautiful hits your road trip goals, consider a National Park pass, which will grant you access to all 63 national parks, as well as some additional recreation areas administered by the National Park Service. A single-admission ticket to these parks can be at $20-$35 per visit, so you’ll quickly get your money’s worth!
5. Bring your own food
Save on food costs by packing smart before you leave on your trip. A portable grill or camping stove can be more than enough for cooking and heating your meals while on the go. Bring along some bread, a few proteins and cheeses, fruits and veggies and lots of drinks. Don’t forget the utensils! You’ll likely need to restock on food supplies at some point while on the road, but the more you bring from home, the more you’ll save. Don’t forget the triple points at grocery stores with your MSGCU Rewards Visa through from July 1 through September 30.
6. Look for free museums and events
Don’t pay for an outing if you haven’t first looked for something that’s free to do nearby. There are dozens of free museums across the country and lots of no-cost events, too. Stop by visitor centers and search community websites at your destination to find free attractions you may have missed, or ask a local for recommendations.
7. Stay with family and friends
The bill for hotels and lodging can add up quickly. If you have relatives and friends that live near where you’re traveling, ask about staying with them along the way. This helps save quite a bit of money, plus you’ll get to enjoy good company, and maybe even a warm meal. When your hosts take their own road trip, you can return the favor.
A road trip is a fun and adventurous way to vacation, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Now that you know how to save, go enjoy your trip!
Category: Finance
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