Lisa's Travels

Your annual road trip to Grandma’s with your family is not the time to be wasting money on unnecessary items or services. It’s easy not to overspend when you take road trips. You can follow these steps to make your thanksgiving trip great yet cheap.

Food is one area where you can save a lot of money. You could prepare some snacks or meals to bring for the trip. Rest stops can also be used to eat a snack or a picnic lunch.

If you are going to make stops to eat out along your trip, keep in mind that many restaurants offer either discount prices for children. There are even those that let kids eat for free. Make sure to research before the trip. Know where they are, what they offer and the savings can add up.

Know that gas can be the most costly of all your expenses for a road trip. With sky-high gas prices, the gas pump is definitely the place to try to save money. When filling use a credit card that offers rebates on the amount of gas purchased. Typically, nationwide gas station chains offer credit card rebates to frequent customers. If you’re using a Mobil, then you should only use Mobil stations so you can use your rebate.

You would need overnight stops and lodging if your destination is quite far. Make sure to research lodging choices before the trip. Find quality hotels or motels that charge reasonable rates. If you are travelling with kids, then look for establishments that offer zero charge for kids.

Look for a hotel that offers the most complimentary services. Many hotels offer free breakfast, and some even have snack bars included. Hotels can also offer coupons and discounts for local restaurants and attractions.

And last, be safe. Traffic accidents occur more often during the holidays because there are more people on the road. Drive the posted speed limits. Bring a first aid kit, extra supplies and drinking water, and drive safely!

Don’t let a problem with your vehicle destroy your vacation. Before you go, address any outstanding Durham North Carolina repair auto issues.