Choose your Wheels

If you have a car, or decide to hire one, your gas prices will be considerably lower than hiring a RV but you should consider your accommodation and food costs before you go. In contrast, hiring an RV means you can sleep and eat on the go and this will help your money go further en route, not to mention also being able to take more luggage with you when you leave! As with all holidays, the planning stages are vital to knowing how much you’re going to spend whilst away so decide which way you’ll save the most amount of money. If you have a route in mind, work out where you can park up for cheap or where the lowest priced motels are and that should help you make up your mind which set of wheels to take. And don’t forget, if there are less than two of you, you can always hire a motorbike as another option.

Camp Under the Stars

Whichever four wheels you decide on, sleeping under the stars, is not only a great experience, but can also save you even more cash. There are plenty of National Forests where you can sleep for free, or if they do charge, the nightly fee can be less than $20. Alternatively, find park ups that might not always have the best scenery, like a supermarket parking lot - if it’s only for one night’s sleep, it won’t matter so much about the views but it’s always a good idea to ask for permission first. Check out on line if it’s worth join their membership deals, that way the fee for the night will give you even more reductions.

The great advantage of camping, especially if you’re in a car, is that you’ll be able to cook for free and cut down on restaurant costs that usually eat into your holiday budget. If I go on a camping holiday, I tend to spend two days out of three, ‘roughing’ it in the cheaper venues and then spend one night in a comfortable bed with all the home comforts I can afford!

Stock up on Snacks

Whether you have children or not, stocking up on snacks will save you a small fortune in the long run. Make regular supermarket stop offs, and buy wisely on food that will give you energy and fill you up whilst driving instead of choosing the unhealthier options. A good idea is to invest in a cool box so that your perishable food will last for longer. Making your own sandwiches is a great way to eat en route without cutting in too much into your holiday budget. By doing this, you’ll probably be able to afford to stop off in the occasional diner or road cafes and treat yourself to a meal deal and a hearty meal.

Finally, remember that if you travel slow, your gas consumption will go further so there’s no need to rush your way on the road...just enjoy the beautiful landscape and take it easy.