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Preparing for that Long Holiday Drive

Do you typically endure a road trip to see family or friends for the holidays? Whether long or short, it takes planning to avoid overspending during those few hours or days. The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub has put together 8 great tips on how to properly save during your holiday drive so you can use that extra money for some holiday fun:

  1. Plan Ahead: One of the most important parts of going on a holiday road trip is planning beforehand. Planning and budgeting things out beforehand will create a much smoother and affordable road trip.
  2. Prepare for Poor Weather: Are you traveling during the winter months? Make sure you plan accordingly in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.
  3. Pack Your Food and Drinks: Stopping every now and then during a road trip is a necessity. Bring enough water and snacks for your trip to keep you comfortable until you reach your destination. 
  4. Avoid Toll Roads: An easy way to save during a road trip is to avoid toll roads. Navigation apps on your phone can tell you where these toll roads are and which ways you can go to avoid them. Consider the difference between your routes and how much time you would save when deciding whether or not to take that toll road. 
  5. Download Gas Station Locator Apps: Gas station locator apps can be a life-saver when traveling. These apps find the cheapest gas stations near you when you enter your location.
  6. Skip the Hotels: Hotel stays can get pricey, especially if you are traveling with family or friends where more than one room is needed. If possible, stay with a friend or family member who might be on the way to your destination.
  7. Get Your Car Checked Before the Trip: Before your trip, take your car to a mechanic and have them check your tire pressure, rotate your tires if necessary, top off all car fluids and confirm your windshield wipers are in proper working condition.
  8. Consider Renting a Car: Sometimes car rental services have great deals that make it more affordable to rent a car for your trip rather than driving your own. Driving your own car puts miles and wear and tear on your car.

For more information on preparing for holiday vacations, access the full article here.

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Useful Links:

  1. Holiday Stress: Stop It Before It Starts - Connect Community - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (bcbsil.com)
  2. 10 Money-Saving Strategies for Holiday Travel | GOBankingRates
  3. 7 Ways to Vacation on a Budget (realsimple.com)
  4. 47 Ways to Save Money on Vacation - Easy Tips for Frugal Travel (moneycrashers.com)