Saving money on a road trip (even with kids)

We’re in the thick of family vacation time, and money isn’t getting any easier to come by. The most expensive components of a road trip continue to be gas, lodging and food, but with RV travel and camping, the lodging part is usually significantly reduced compared to those traveling with hotel destinations in mind. Here are a few tips for lowering the bill for some of the other things you’ll come up against.

Plan ahead. This always sounds great, but it’s the hardest thing to do, especially with a day job and multiple people to coordinate. It’s the one thing, though, that will make the biggest difference. At the very least, try to come up with an idea of the most important places you want to visit – museums, theme or water parks, historical sites – and things you want to do, such as hiking or horseback riding. Then sketch out an itinerary and a budget. Having something written down helps you stick to a spending plan, simply because it keeps you on track. It also helps to have a good pack list with everything you’ll need along the way, because then you won’t have to buy forgotten things along the way.

Plan meals ahead. Knowing what you’ll be cooking on the road and buying as much of the non-perishable food as you can in advance will keep you from spending too much on the more-expensive fare at campground stores and convenience stores en route.

Pick an RV park/campground with activities. You may pay a few extra bucks to stay, but the savings will be exponentially worth it in the long run if everyone finds something to do during down time on-site. A swimming pool, evening movie, game room, nice playground and other distractions go a long way toward keeping everyone from looking for ways to needlessly spend money shopping or buying junk food when they’re bored. Also bring along games that everyone will enjoy.

Look for online passes. Many cities have discounted coupon books (such as CityPass) that offer substantial savings – just be sure you’ll actually visit enough of the places to make buying the whole book worthwhile – and the attractions themselves usually offer discounts if you purchase your tickets ahead and print them out. Set up a system of folders that can keep track of what days you’ll be where and file the tickets accordingly, which will help keep you organized. Also be sure to take advantage of military, AAA and senior discounts, and look for discounted meal vouchers at the amusement parks, as well.  

Plan meals around attractions. If you can hold off going to an amusement park or other expensive activity where you’re held captive until just after lunch, you’ll save quite a bit, especially if it’s one that doesn’t allow you to bring in food. That way, you’ll only have to buy dinner and maybe a snack. Take advantage of the attractions that do let you bring food in, even if it’s just to haul around snacks that will keep you from overeating pricey, unhealthy food. Don’t forget water, which is also expensive when bottled. Refill at water fountains.

Take advantage of parks’ meal offerings. When you check in, be sure to note if your campground is offering a free weekly pancake breakfast or weeknight BBQ, and plan that into your itinerary.

Gas up at the cheap spots. If you have access to the Web, Gaspricewatch finds the cheapest gas prices for you, which can sometimes be a big saver, especially if you’re in an RV. Of course, driving 20 miles out of your way doesn’t make sense, but if you’re in an area where there are multiple options, it can be a help. Also, RV tire pressure and filling up on weekdays (allegedly cheaper than weekends) seem to be constant issues.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.