Money Savings on the Road
It's time for a road trip, and whether you are off on business, or on vacation, there is much planning to be done. A destination, roads to travel and sights to see are all the advantages that the highway brings. But what about your finances? Money doesn't grow on trees, and you are likely following a budget. The road can sometimes be a somewhat costly adventure, so saving a few bucks here and there can definitely make a road trip much more enjoyable.
Snacks and Stops
One of the most time and money consuming parts of a road trip are the stops. Though fuel is needed for your car and sustenance for your body, one of the two you can plan for. When you're on the road, consider bringing not just some snacks, but a cooler with drinks and perhaps some sandwiches. Instead of stopping whenever you get hungry or thirsty, you can just reach into the ice box and grab something to eat. When you get hungry, stop by one of the picnic areas or rest stops and grab a bite from your own cache. You can avoid all those fast food stops that can cause indigestion while you save money.
The high road or the low road
Google maps offers such a fantastic feature- planning the best route. You can choose the proper route to save money. Gas stops often have varying fuel prices, so you always want to search a route that travels through areas where there will be competitive pricing (small towns with one gas station often have a higher price). The shortest route isn't always the fastest. Speed limits are different for each road, and often when a road travels through lots of cities or towns, you have to drop your speed, and accommodate for city traffic. This can cost you time and fuel.
A place to stay
If your trip takes you across the country, you may be considering a place to lay your head for the eve. The highway is littered with hotels and motels, but have you ever considered corporate rentals? These locations are not only far more accommodating, but are also cheaper than hotel stays. Arrangements can easily be made, even for enduring amounts of time which is very useful when you get to your destination.
Driving for economy
Hitting the gas and slamming on the brakes isn't exactly the way to get the best economy out of your car. Driving your vehicle to get the best economy (and save you some cash next time you fill up) is about finesse and diligence. Consider accelerating moderately when you get moving, and letting yourself coast to a stop rather than waiting and slamming on the brakes ten meters before a stop. Allowing your vehicle to coast saves quite a bit of fuel and is far easier on your car (repairs like worn out brakes).
Another helpful hint is that air conditioning does consume quite a bit of fuel. You may consider alternating between using your AC and rolling the window down for a while for a breath of fresh air. While this may be a little difficult in hotter climates, cooler areas often allow you to comfortably save the cash.
Finally, the most important and effective tip is to drive safely. Speeding tickets and accidents are the biggest costs on the road. Remember to watch your signs and obey the law. Drive safely and enjoy the trip.
Snacks and Stops
One of the most time and money consuming parts of a road trip are the stops. Though fuel is needed for your car and sustenance for your body, one of the two you can plan for. When you're on the road, consider bringing not just some snacks, but a cooler with drinks and perhaps some sandwiches. Instead of stopping whenever you get hungry or thirsty, you can just reach into the ice box and grab something to eat. When you get hungry, stop by one of the picnic areas or rest stops and grab a bite from your own cache. You can avoid all those fast food stops that can cause indigestion while you save money.
The high road or the low road
Google maps offers such a fantastic feature- planning the best route. You can choose the proper route to save money. Gas stops often have varying fuel prices, so you always want to search a route that travels through areas where there will be competitive pricing (small towns with one gas station often have a higher price). The shortest route isn't always the fastest. Speed limits are different for each road, and often when a road travels through lots of cities or towns, you have to drop your speed, and accommodate for city traffic. This can cost you time and fuel.
A place to stay
If your trip takes you across the country, you may be considering a place to lay your head for the eve. The highway is littered with hotels and motels, but have you ever considered corporate rentals? These locations are not only far more accommodating, but are also cheaper than hotel stays. Arrangements can easily be made, even for enduring amounts of time which is very useful when you get to your destination.
Driving for economy
Hitting the gas and slamming on the brakes isn't exactly the way to get the best economy out of your car. Driving your vehicle to get the best economy (and save you some cash next time you fill up) is about finesse and diligence. Consider accelerating moderately when you get moving, and letting yourself coast to a stop rather than waiting and slamming on the brakes ten meters before a stop. Allowing your vehicle to coast saves quite a bit of fuel and is far easier on your car (repairs like worn out brakes).
Another helpful hint is that air conditioning does consume quite a bit of fuel. You may consider alternating between using your AC and rolling the window down for a while for a breath of fresh air. While this may be a little difficult in hotter climates, cooler areas often allow you to comfortably save the cash.
Finally, the most important and effective tip is to drive safely. Speeding tickets and accidents are the biggest costs on the road. Remember to watch your signs and obey the law. Drive safely and enjoy the trip.
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