by James W. Coates

Created on: October 01, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2009

Budget guide to road trips

Cheap ideas & tips for vacations and adventures in your car or RV

Rising gas prices needn't deter budget travelers from heading out on the highway.Nothing beats the freedom of loading up the car and adding extra miles between you and home. With a little planning, a good road trip opens your eyes not your wallet.

The massive highway system criss-crossing North America leads to endless adventures, scenic drives and maybe some chaos. Though this mesh of roads and destinations seems daunting, to enjoy a good road trip, throw out the plan and head out with nothing more than a rough idea of what to see.

Stop frequently to soak up the scenery from various vantage points along the way and don't cram too much into any particular road trip. Trying to get from Edmonton to Kentucky and back in a few days leads to endless hours in the car, sleepless nights and bouts of crankiness. The idea is to enjoy the trip, not mine every last nerve.

Cheap road trip ideas and tips for the car or RV

* Pack a lunch - Eating out three meals a day can gouge a budget. Bring a cooler in the trunk with sandwiches, fruit and drinks to fuel up while on the road. Most gas stations carry ice so getting some on the road to replace what has melted is a breeze. When food runs out, stop off at a local grocery store instead of a convenience store to restock, save time and money.

* Pitch a tent - Roadside motels aren't always the bargain they seem (remember Psycho?). Camping compliments road trips by immerse fully in the local surroundings. It's also a great place to take a shower, make a campfire and meet other travelers from around the country and the world. A cheap tent does the trick and basic campground fees cost less than motel rooms - and often smell better.

* Carry a map - Getting comfortably lost adds excitement to any trip. It allows time to explore otherwise unseen areas of the country. But never get completely lost. Bring a road atlas at all times. They're cheap, compact and save money from buying a map each time you enter a new area. If you have the funds, install a GPS unit. Along with great navigation, GPS Units offer advice on things to do in the vicinity, places of interest, places to eat, family destinations and campgrounds, some even help organize the photos of the trip. Higher end models offer sophisticated options, but a basic unit fits the bill.

* Bring some tunes - This may sound like a given, but who wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere driving for hours listening to the local AM power hour? Today's portable devises easily slip into pockets and many come with car adaptors so they won't chew up batteries. Road trips with friends make great opportunities to showcase musical tastes and discover new music. Just don't hog the stereo and remember the driver dictates what music streams while he's driving (unwritten rule number 1). Remember to bring a pair of headphones just in case the driver is into thrash metal while you enjoy new age. Headphones also make great earplugs to drown out external noise when sleep on the road becomes a necessity.

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