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Veteran road trippers Bob
Schaller and Gen
Lauzière share their secrets for cheap
road trip that are still safe and fun.
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How to save money on:
FOOD
Bob: Some people save money by eating from their
ice chest while road-tripping. I get bored and like to eat out,
too. I buy snacks and sandwich makings for some meals, but I eat
in restaurants also. I eat light, as it keeps me alert and feeling
better. I might have breakfast in a café, or a bagel and
fruit, then a sandwich from my cooler for lunch, and soup &
salad for supper (café). If I try to eat only from the ice
chest, it isn't long before I abandon that and eat out for ALL meals
-- which is expensive. So by mixing it up from the start (and controlling
where and what I eat), I save money.
Gen: I also like to combine eating in restaurants
and out of a cooler. When eating from a cooler, I won't eat only
cold stuff. I bring my camp stove. You can make almost anything
with one: pancakes, coffee, pastas, veggies, etc. Of course, it
is inconvenient to have to wash dishes, and it takes more time than
grabbing a burger. But it's an inexpensive way to eat and it's healthier,
because you can stop at a store to get fresh things. However, sometimes
a steamed truck stop hot dog with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and cheese
is appealing to me. They're fast and cheap, but watch out for calories!
I don't have one every day, just as an occasional treat!
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Camping can be cold -- be ready for it or choose an
inexpensive motel
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LODGING
Bob: I mix camping and inexpensive motels. If
I camp for two nights, I'm ready for a hot shower on the third.
Camping on a road trip should be utilitarian. I take a cot, sleeping
bag, a mat for my feet, flashlight, and a tent for rainy nights.
I find a place in the woods or on public lands, and I unfold the
cot in the back of my truck or on the ground. I use a plastic basin
and water to wash, shave, etc. Simplicity gets me back on the road
quickly. On motel nights, I look for Mom & Pop places, and can
often find decent lodging for less than $30.
Gen: Girls know that a daily shower is important!
Even on the road, it's comforting to know one is never far away.
Camping can be expensive, so I sometimes sleep in my car at truck
stops. I designed "curtains" for my windows that attach
with Velcro (for privacy and light-blocking). I use earplugs to
block truck stop noise. It's important to be safe, so trust your
instincts. Ask the cashier if it's okay to stay overnight in a car,
and buy something: gas, shower ticket, or food. Usually,
before I go to bed, I eat something at the restaurant and ask a
friendly waitress to keep an eye on me. Most of the time they're
very kind, and they will even tell the other girls. The next morning
have a cheap, hot shower, and your night didn't really cost anything!
I also enjoy sleeping in Mom-and-Pop motels and some chains. At
motels, try to bargain and ask for rebates: AAA, AARP, government
employee, coupons. (Don't be too pushy!)
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Priceless road trip entertainment in Yellowstone National
Park
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ENTERTAINMENT
Gen: For national parks, buy an annual pass
for $50; entrance fees can be over $20 per day, so it's not an insignificant
expense. There are many free museums (even if only on certain days);
ask for information at visitor's centers, or check the city guide
in a local phone book. Carry your student or senior card for discounts.
Locals are a great source for information; where to go for the best
fishing, where to find free parking, where exactly they shot that
movie, what is the best restaurant or club in town, etc. But the
best entertainment on a road trip is chatting with people! It doesn't
cost a thing -- and it is so rewarding!
Bob: Always make a point to take the ten minutes
to stop at the visitor centers when entering a new state. They are
often found at the first or second off-ramp past a state's border
on the Interstates. All are staffed by helpful volunteers and most
provide a remarkably good selection of discount coupons for local
motels and attractions. RoadTrip America reviews and keeps abreast
of the best
in road trip guidebooks and literature and every
Web link found on this site has been hand chosen for quality
and usefulness for roadtrippers as they plan stops at attractions
along the way.
VEHICLE EXPENSES
Gen: Usually, gas is cheaper at truck stops.
For big chains, ask for a "frequent fueler" card, which
will get you a rebate. Don't forget oil changes, so you don't get
stranded somewhere with unexpected troubles. Find a shop by calling
AAA (CAA in Canada). Even if you're not a member, they can refer
you to approved repair shops. Still, AAA/CAA membership is a must.
Bob: Drive with fuel economy in mind, and you'll
save on gasoline. Hold a steady speed, use cruise control, and keep
speeds lower. Generally, your vehicle will get its best mileage
at engine speeds just a bit over minimum in the highest gear --
you may be able to save 10% to 20% on fuel costs this way.
Happy Road-Tripping!
Robert
Schaller
Geneviève
Lauzière
December 19, 2004
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