by Colette Georgii

Created on: July 31, 2007   Last Updated: August 02, 2007

You can travel across America and back on a little over $300 and also experience the most phenomenal sights imaginable, such as museums, rolling streams, waterfalls, famous rivers and canyons, the desert, Indian reservations, mountains, and much more. And all these sights are free. I have made the trip across America and back and can guarantee that the following tips will save you money while traveling and help you get the best out of your traveling experience.

WHERE TO STAY

Do not stay in any motels or hotels. Look for primitive campgrounds. Those are the ones with only outhouses - no showers or running toilets. They are usually free or you may give a small donation. You can just park your vehicle and pitch your tents.

Once in a while look for a campground with running toilets and showers. They are a little more expensive but much cheaper than a hotel or motel. You might need to freshen up once in a while.

Another way to save money is to sleep at rest stops. The truckers do it and so do savvy travelers. You can just park your vehicle and sleep in the vehicle. Usually there is also a visitor center and maybe a few picnic tables. You can set up your grill at a picnic table and make your breakfast in the morning. And don't worry there will be other people there doing the same thing.

If you have a friendly relative along the way you can arrange to stay with them for a few days to freshen up and get a few good meals and renew acquaintances.

HOW TO SPEND YOUR MONEY

Only use your cash money for gas and needed food supplies. Never buy anything frivolous unless it is in your budget to do so. Your traveling money should be for traveling essentials only, such as gas, and food. Don't buy anything at all other than a momento here and there. Buy postcards. They are cheap and you can put them in a scrapbook later. Pick up free information at rest stops.

Make sure you bring your debit card and a credit card for emergencies and it is best to use the debit card since you can't take out more than you have in the bank. You can use your debit or credit card all across America. Just look for the matching logos at the bank /ATM and on your credit card. Take out a small amount at a time, such as twenty dollars.

Make sure you are driving in an energy efficient vehicle and fill that gas tank up before leaving esp. if your gas is cheaper than the next state. However if you start from a state where the gas is more expensive and you know you are going to a state where the gas is cheaper, just

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