The Budgeteer’s Guide to a Life-Changing Road Trip

While daily routines have their perks, sometimes you need to break out of your comfort zone and pursue the great unknown. And road trips are just the ticket for anyone looking for an adventure that can be easy on the wallet. Embracing life on the road not only takes you to sights you would typically miss, but it can also provide you with unexpected experiences and fellowship with other travelers and local natives. With an adventurous spirit and a little bit of planning, you can have a life-changing vacation without it costing an arm and a leg.

The Benefits of Life on the Road

Traveling breaks up the everyday humdrum and empowers even the most reluctant traveler in self-development. If you and your family have been wanting to take off a month or so to travel and bond, a road trip is the best way to ensure you will have unique experiences while spending quality time with one another and reaping numerous mental health benefits. For a family, a road trip creates gadget-free time together, encourages children to dream and explore, and provides the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature at your own pace. You may find yourself inspired by unexpected sights, be encouraged by new friends, and realize you’ve left your worries and anxieties back at home. Driving, in itself, creates a focused space that requires you to live in the moment.

Choose Your Ride

While your road trip should afford you some spontaneity, consider some of the terrain of your potential destinations and what you may need to bring. Some of the most popular road trips involve off-road adventures that require 4-wheel-drive. And if you’re bringing many items along for the trip, you may need to attach a trailer to your vehicle. Before heading out, check that it hitches correctly and that your trailer has stable tires with the right tread compound. 

If you’ll be traveling for a short period, consider a rental in order to avoid putting miles and wear and tear on your car. If your voyage will be for a month or longer, consider looking online on sites for a used car such as a van or Jeep that can take you on the roads less traveled. Either way, by not using your everyday vehicle, you’ll save yourself from costly repairs later on. And if you purchase a car, you can sell it back later and recoup your investment. 

A Place to Rest Your Head

On a road trip, your options for accommodations are limitless. You can choose to stay in a ritzy hotel, a reasonably priced motel, a unique bed and breakfast, a rustic campground, or a budget-friendly Airbnb. The beauty of a road trip is that you’re not restricted to one experience, and each night can be different. If you’re enjoying one place, you can extend your stay and relish in the fun. If you’re traveling with young children, you can capitalize on family-friendly options that include all the necessary amenities, such as a full kitchen, numerous bedrooms, and safe surroundings for kids to run around and burn off energy. The trick is to generally map out your route before you embark on your voyage, identify some potential places to stay, make some reservations, and plan for flexibility. 

A Road Warrior’s Budget

While a typical vacation can cost a pretty penny in airfare, local transportation, hotels, and dining out, a road trip offers a budget-friendly travel option while providing spontaneous sightseeing experiences. Vacationing doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy and save a buck or two. Stock your vehicle with snacks from the local food stores, and cook meals on a campfire or in a hotel room kitchen. If part of your wild adventure involves abandoning the responsibility of cooking, make sure to budget ahead of time — allocating how much money you can spend on food each day — and map out a few places you can stop to eat along the way. While a road trip will save you money on transportation, there are some expenses you should plan ahead for, such as:

• • • Petrol
    • Flat tires
    • Minor car repairs
    • Souvenirs
    • Unexpected tours and other activities

Before setting off on your trip, be sure to double-check your insurance coverage. When going on a lengthy road trip, you’re usually better off with full coverage so that you’re covered for any unexpected events in case of theft, vandalism, or bad weather. Full coverage is more expensive, but you can still shop around for the best rates. If you’re married, over the age of 25, and/or have a good credit score, you may be able to save on your car insurance premiums. 

If you’re looking to take a break and do something new, a road trip is the way to go. Not only are there numerous mental health benefits, but there are plenty of options for transportation, accommodations, and dining as well. And if you plan properly, you can have the most amazing vacation without going over your budget. Embracing life on the road is not something you’ll regret!

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