10 money-saving ideas for your next road trip

We all love a road trip. But the thrill of racking up the kilometres and visiting spectacular places can be diminished somewhat if your bank balance is plummeting faster than your fuel gauge. With the cost of living skyrocketing, road trips – like everything else – aren’t as cheap as they used to be. But with a bit of planning and the right attitude, it’s easy to reduce costs. And cheaper definitely doesn’t have to mean less enjoyable.

Ask any financial adviser about how to get on top of your finances, and the first thing they will say is to make a budget. It’s no different going on a road trip. Start by setting a total budget for the whole trip. Estimate the cost of essentials such as fuel, accommodation, BYO food and must-do activities. Then you’ll know how much you have left over to splurge on optional extras such as restaurant and hotel upgrades.

If there’s one thing that’s sure to put a great big downer on a road trip (and blow the budget), it’s breaking down. Get your car serviced and make sure the tyres are in good condition before you set off. And check that your roadside assistance membership is up to date.

Write up a packing list so you’ve got everything you need for your trip – including in-car essentials such as a medical kit, toiletries and spare batteries. If you get it all together in advance you’re less likely to have to make expensive purchases en route.

Get Tidy. There’s no use having everything you need if you can’t find it.

Be an eco driver and make your fuel go further. From lightening your load to driving smoothly and using your car’s eco mode, there’s a lot you can do to reduce fuel use.

Pack snacks and drinks to keep everyone going while you’re on the road. The last thing you want, if you’re on a budget, is “hangry” passengers braying for fast food. Make sure you take a cooler. A warm soft drink and a bar of melted chocolate just aren’t going to cut it.

Takeaway coffees add up. And let’s be honest – if you like your coffees just how your local barista makes them, coffees on the road can be a bit of a letdown. The answer? Make your own. You could make it in advance and pop it in a thermos. Or take a coffee-making gadget such as an AeroPress and make a brew at your next picnic stop.

Did someone mention picnics? Instead of eating in cafes and fast-food joints, buy some goodies in supermarkets or at markets, and get into picnics. Not only do you save money and get to eat some fab food, but you can unfurl the rug in amazing locations, too. It’s a great example of how saving money can actually lead to a better experience.

Plan your trip, and book your accommodation in advance. Finding accommodation on the road can work out OK – but it can also be stressful and a real budget buster.

You’ve got to love the good old Aussie Driver Reviver

. Not only do you get a break from driving, but a free cup of tea, or a glass of cordial, and a couple of biscuits, too. Priceless.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}