Five Ways to a Cheaper Road Trip

Ah… the carefree feel of the open road, the extra time to watch the countryside pass by, the heightened anticipation of arriving at your destination, and of course, the budget-crushing gas prices.  Sadly that last one has become as much a part of the classic road trip as those that preceded it.  While we’re waiting for alternative fuel technology to play catch up, we don’t have to forsake the road trip.  Yes, it may end up costing you more than it would have in previous years, but that doesn’t have to mean you have zero control over the bottom line.  Consider the following ideas before casting off the land yacht on your next road trip.

Bring it with you.
The food to be exact.  Not that roadside dining doesn’t have its charm or firm roots in Americana, but preparing meals ahead of time can be a great cost saver.  Pack the cooler with a host of drinks, munchables and travel food to keep your eating out at a minimum.

Be kind to your ride.
Make sure the tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure, and that any needed maintenance has been performed prior to your departure.  The little things that effect fuel efficiency can add up to big savings over the course of a long trip.

Drive smart.
Use your cruise control, avoid major cities during rush hour if at all possible, and draft off of larger vehicles on the freeway (can be effective, even at a safe distance).  Again, these small steps to bolstering your fuel economy will add up over the long run. 

The more the merrier.
More people mean more ways to split the bill.  In all seriousness, why take two cars when you can pool together and save as a group?  Just avoid picking up random hitchhikers for the sake of someone to chip in gas money.

Camp or couch surf for multi-day trips.
If you can plan around family and/or public access campgrounds, I say go for it.  A free or mega-cheap place to stay is leaps and bound better than pulling into a rest stop and sleeping the night away in the front seat of your car, or even worse, shelling out $50 for a room at Motel 6.