5 ways to save money on your road trip this summer
May 13, 2018, 12:41 PM | Updated: Feb 7, 2023, 11:20 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Temperatures are rising, days are getting longer and the school year is wrapping up. It’s road trip season.
And while the open road builds lasting family memories, it can also be hard on your wallet. Here are five ways to save money on the road.
PLAN AHEAD
A little research helps you make the most of a trip. Map out the must-see stops and places to eat along the way, and book your lodging before you arrive in town. Hotels usually do not dish out their best rates to people walking in after midnight during the busy season. Also, you’ll avoid no-vacancy nightmares in smaller towns.
BRING THE SNACKS WITH YOU
Snacks are another big drain on road trip budgets. If your family is going to be in the car for a long time, the pricier chips, soft drinks and other treats in convenience stores alongside the road become more and more irresistible. One of the best ways to save money on food while traveling is to bring your own.
USE AN APP
There’s no escape from rising gas prices, but apps can help minimize the damage. GasBuddy lets you know which gas stations in town have the best prices. The navigation app Waze maps out the closest gas stations and their prices as it helps you dodge traffic jams and accidents.
PREP YOUR CAR
Checking your car’s fluids, belts and hoses before you leave can save tons in emergency repair bills. Make sure the spare isn’t flat, and you’ve got the right tools to change it.
“You get stuck in some of these places, as many people know, it costs a lot of money to get towed away and towed into a little town garage,” said Matt Hasara of Utah Valley University’s Automotive Technology program.
MIND YOUR DATA USAGE
Road trips can push your mobile phone’s data plan beyond its limits. Accessing maps and posting photos to social media could lead to tremendous overage fees. So download your road trip music before you leave so you don’t have to stream it. Many navigation apps will let you download maps for offline use. Also, shut off the WiFi while on the open road so your phone doesn’t roam constantly as it looks for a Wi-Fi signal.
