by riseadmin
9. August 2011 19:38
Traveling on a shoe string budget is all about planning ahead. While you should never compromise on safety, decide what aspects of a trip are worth your money and where you think you can trim your budget. This RV travel guide offers some great tips for saving on gas, meals, and lodging.
Gasoline
- Gasoline is like road rent - you have to pay it to continue living in the lanes. The best way to save on gas is to start with the right rides. This includes investing in and then properly maintaining safe and efficient vehicles. Consider towing a small, high-efficiency car or motorcycle trailer so you can park your RV and then get around your destination for less.
- If you’re comfortable doing so, use the least expensive type of gas a station offers. Gilbert RV Insurance’s Resources help you gather information about what to expect to pay at the pump in major US cities to help you plan your budget accordingly.
Meals
- Food can be a very major or a very minor expense on any trip. Get your home economics in gear and apply them on the road. Shop sales or in bulk ahead of your trip to load up on goods that will keep without refrigeration. When you stop for gas, choose an exit with a grocery store to grab perishable foods for short term use. Pack a gas stove and cook your own meals when you need a break from driving.
- To save a ton of money, avoid eating out at restaurants, fast food or otherwise! Plan ahead of time what destination restaurant you may want to stop at in any given city and make it a special stop en route like any other expensive attraction.
- Keep your money in your pockets at gas stations. $2.00 for a bag of munchies may not seem like much to spend, but if it’s $2.00 per person at every gas stop from here to the end of a long trip, it’ll add up fast!
Lodging
- For those of you with RVs, lodging is built in but there are still ways to save on places to park and hook up your camper. Join travel groups like AAA or membership parks like KOA to save a bundle when RVing long-term. For those without RVs, groups like AAA can help you, too, by discounting your stays at hotels across the nation.
- If you’re not attached to complete privacy, hostels are a great option to save money on lodging while on the road. Prices tend to be far lower than staying at hotels and you’re bound to meet interesting people to swap stories with! Be sure to check reviews about hostels you’re considering to get the full scoop on the location before you book.
- Independent rental through sites like Airbnb offer another way of securing lodging. You enter the area you want to stay in and the price you’re able to pay, and if there’s anything in your parameters you can contact the owner of the space to arrange your stay!
For more ideas on smart RV trip planning and other RV travel guides, we encourage you to explore our blog. To learn about all of Gilbert’s many insurance offerings for RVs, cars, boats, and other vehicles, visit our Products Page today!