Saving Money

Saving money on your road trip

That urge to travel tickles all of us. Unfortunately, when you have the most time is often when you have the least money. With gas prices so high, it has become really expensive to have any kind of a road trip, but here are a few ways to save money.

Bring your own stuff

You have a whole car to pack – may as well put it to good use! Although it's pretty obvious to bring your own food and drink, thinking outside the box can save even more money. Keep your bottles – especially ones that are not clear, cap and all. That way you can refill on water at a fountain, or sneak in alcohol to places where it would otherwise cost an arm and leg.

Granola is also a good idea to have in ample quantity, since it is compact, filling, and good for you. Not to mention it tastes fantastic. Try to refrain from eating white bread or other foods that will only make you hungry faster, and drinking lots of water will help keep hunger at bay.

Don't bother with hotels

Sleeping in the car can get uncomfortable, so bring a cot and a tent. If you can't afford a tent, a good sized tarp, some rope, and a few sticks makes a great shelter. In extreme situations and chilly nights, I know a few people who have even slept underneath their car.

There are also plenty of campgrounds all across the country, and while some charge, it is often far less expensive than a hotel would be. Plus they often have showers, toilets, and cabins, not to mention a fantastic view.

The most obvious way is to stay with friends and family – but even if you don't know someone who lives along the way, your friends or family might have friends who do. Be sure to bring brownies or other treats to make the stay that much sweeter for them.

Make money on your trip

If you play a musical instrument, make a stop in the downtown of any major city and play for a few hours. Sometimes it works better if you put up a sign announcing why you are there – people tend to give more if they know you are not just some random local bum.

Be creative, dress strange, or make an instrument if you don't have anything on hand. Probably the most fantastic street performer I have seen was drumming on miscellaneous things found in a kitchen. Even if all you have is a great voice, just pick a spot and sing.

Another way to make money on the road is modeling for art classes. Contact the colleges along the way before you go to ask how much they compensate, and whether you have to be in the nude. Don't worry about it – they don't know you!

Drive fuel-efficiently

Tune up before you go, including an oil change and air filter, even if it seems like you don't need it yet. Drive at a steady pace, and refrain from accelerating rapidly. Try to keep your car below 2,500 RPM as much as possible, and 55 is the most fuel efficient speed for most cars. It is also more fuel efficient to leave the windows down at low speeds to cool down the car, then at high speeds keep the windows up and use the air conditioner.