2008 Woodie Awards
Road Trip *Spring Break edition*
Minimize your spending to maximize your fun.
Abby Haun
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Features
Ask a local where the cheapest gas is. Odds are if someone owns a car, they know where the cheapest gas can be found. Ask around. To make sure you get the most miles from your tank, try to keep the air conditioning use to a minimum, make sure your tires are fully aired and drive on the freeway whenever possible.
Don't go out to eat for every meal. Stop at a grocery store on the road and pick up some bread and fixings to make sandwiches. Not only are sandwiches cheap, they're easy to eat in the car. If you just can't handle anymore peanut butter and jelly and don't want fast food, eat at a local favorite restaurant. The food is likely to be cheaper than at a nationwide chain restaurant. Plus, the people you meet there will be much more interesting.
Carry your student ID with you at all times. Movie theaters aren't the only places where students can get discounts. From museums to national parks, many road trip attractions offer student rates-but only if you show your student ID. These student discounts are not always advertised, so make sure to ask before paying full price.
Keep your eye out for coupons. In most hotels, there is a rack in the lobby with nothing but guidebooks and pamphlets advertising local attractions. Not only are these pamphlets good for reference, they also tend to contain coupons for the attractions they advertise.
Take advantage of your friends and/or relatives. Remember your old Aunt Mildred who lives in Santa Fe? Do the woman a favor and stay with her on your way to the Grand Canyon. She'll love it, and will probably give you a few free meals.
Utilize frequent traveler incentive programs offered by hotels. Many chain hotels offer point programs to travelers. The more you stay at a certain hotel, the more benefits you get, including free room stays. Enroll in one of these programs and attempt to stay in the same hotel chain in every city you stop in.
Don't go out to eat for every meal. Stop at a grocery store on the road and pick up some bread and fixings to make sandwiches. Not only are sandwiches cheap, they're easy to eat in the car. If you just can't handle anymore peanut butter and jelly and don't want fast food, eat at a local favorite restaurant. The food is likely to be cheaper than at a nationwide chain restaurant. Plus, the people you meet there will be much more interesting.
Carry your student ID with you at all times. Movie theaters aren't the only places where students can get discounts. From museums to national parks, many road trip attractions offer student rates-but only if you show your student ID. These student discounts are not always advertised, so make sure to ask before paying full price.
Keep your eye out for coupons. In most hotels, there is a rack in the lobby with nothing but guidebooks and pamphlets advertising local attractions. Not only are these pamphlets good for reference, they also tend to contain coupons for the attractions they advertise.
Take advantage of your friends and/or relatives. Remember your old Aunt Mildred who lives in Santa Fe? Do the woman a favor and stay with her on your way to the Grand Canyon. She'll love it, and will probably give you a few free meals.
Utilize frequent traveler incentive programs offered by hotels. Many chain hotels offer point programs to travelers. The more you stay at a certain hotel, the more benefits you get, including free room stays. Enroll in one of these programs and attempt to stay in the same hotel chain in every city you stop in.