Many people are taking road trips in July and August for their summer vacation. Unfortunately, their travel plans are coming at a time when food and gas prices have been steadily rising.
Everyone wants to get as much value as possible for their
travel budget and not overpay for goods and services. The following ideas are
like items on a menu in a New Jersey diner. There are a lot of money-saving options
to select from so pick those that best fit your lifestyle.
Food and Beverages
Eat Out Sparingly- Try
to eat only one meal a day at a restaurant, if possible. Pack foods such as
granola bars, dried fruits, peanut butter, muffins, and canned juices for
breakfast, or select hotels that include a free continental breakfast. Many
hotels offer perks (e.g., free breakfast and swimming pools) to attract
visitors.
Keep Food Cool- Pack
food in a cooler (or buy it when you arrive at a destination) and stay at
hotels with a refrigerator and/or microwave oven in the room. This lets you
save leftover food from a restaurant or order take-out food rather than a
sit-down meal. Pack some re-sealable food storage bags or plastic containers.
Rethink Restaurant Drinks-
Consider sticking with complimentary water at restaurants because beverages add
to the cost of eating out. If someone skips 208 glasses of soda (four a week)
at $3 each- or 104 beers or glasses of wine (2 a week) at $6 each- that’s $624
in annual savings.
Bring Your Own Beverages- Space
permitting, bring your own beverages on a road trip. Examples: bottled water,
soda, and low-cost wines available at Trader Joe’s and Aldi supermarkets.
Another way to spend less on wine and soft drinks is to “stretch” them with a
large cup of ice so they last longer and you can buy less.
Split an Order-
Consider sharing an entrée- but check first to see if there is an additional
“plate charge” for shared meals. Appetizers and desserts are also great for
sharing. Instead of individual desserts at a restaurant, buy a dessert item
(e.g., cake or pie) at a supermarket to enjoy afterward.
Eat Out for Lunch- When
you eat out, consider going to restaurants at lunchtime, rather than dinner,
because the cost is generally less. You might also consider combining lunch and
dinner into one meal by having a late afternoon “linner.” Lunch menu meals- and
lower prices- are generally in effect until around 3 pm.
Gas
Find Cheap Gas- Gas
prices vary from state to state and even within the same town! Gas stations
close to major highways often charge more than others…because they can. Use a
gas app like GasBuddy and Waze to find the cheapest source of gas where you
need it.
Join a Fuel Rewards Program- Sign
up for a fuel rewards program at a supermarket or warehouse club and accumulate
points to earn free or reduced price gas. When you have earned enough points
for a reward, cash in your points to save money.
Check Tire Pressure- All
the travel experts agree that underinflated tires decrease gas mileage. Many
gas stations have inexpensive “do it yourself” machines where users can check
their tire air pressure and inflate tires that need air.
Travel Close to Home- If money is tight, become a “local tourist.” Visit local historical sites or state/federal parks and learn more about where you live. Plan “daycations” (inexpensive one-day trips) and “staycations” (experiences at or near home) in lieu of travel to distant areas.
This post provides
general personal finance or consumer decision-making information and does not
address all the variables that apply to an individual’s unique situation. It does
not endorse specific products or services and should not be construed as legal
or financial advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a
competent professional should be sought.
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