With public transport still a controversial topic given the current times, driving holidays are now considered the safest form of travel. In the spirit of social distancing, here are 5 ways to save money when planning a road trip.
Electric Vehicle
One of the most overlooked ways to save money when on a road trip is the car you opt for. It’s important to factor in miles per gallon and how you drive, in order to cut one of your biggest costs: fuel. However, there is a cheaper way…
Investing in an electric vehicle – whether it be a rental or purchase – is the ultimate money saver for a road trip. A Home charging station can help get you started, filling up the battery for free if you have solar. As you drive an electric car, the battery partially charges due to the belt rotation which helps make it last longer.
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle? Well, it does depend on the charger – but you can expect it to be 1 to 6 hours depending on the kW. This could be a chance to reset, take a break from driving, and further plan your route.
Stock up on food
Food is another large expense when on a road trip, so it’s a good idea to pack plenty of cheaper supermarket food before leaving. Pulling into gas stations on an empty stomach is a recipe for overspending. Plus, if you have a portable kettle, you can take noodles, rice and other foods that can be quickly heated up.
When on the road, it’s best to search for local supermarkets. If you’re looking to eat out, Google affordable restaurants with positive reviews and view the menu before committing.
Use free accommodation
Accommodation is generally the biggest cost, especially if you’re not paying for petrol. The most expensive way to travel is of course using hotels. Instead, you could attempt sleeping some nights in your car or van. If this doesn’t appeal, then consider packing camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag and matts. Free camping exists in most countries and can be a great way to immerse yourself in nature during the trip.
Plan your route beforehand
Driving around without a plan is one way to end up in expensive situations. When planning a route, you want to avoid toll roads, expensive parking and places where bribery and false fees are rife.
Cheap countries tend to be clustered together too, like South America, South East Asia and Eastern Europe. This means that you can see various places next to each other, all within a similar budget range. It’s important then to avoid certain places, such as Northern Europe and North America.
Avoid paying for parking
For most of the trip, you want to be looking for free parking. This may be in the car parks of supermarkets, remote areas, and in general suburbia. Using apps like Park Me Parking and Parkopedia can help find free parking spots. It’s important to consider the height of your vehicle, and if you’re close enough to your intended destination so you can avoid paying for further transport.
