Looking to get away without breaking the bank? Finding a fun and cheap vacation is not an easy task, but there is a simple solution. Nope, it’s not a trip to see your family or a trek to some touristy destination. It’s the good old open road. That’s right, pack the car with food, games, and expectations, cause for the next week the van is your hotel and the interstate is your destination. Wait, a cramped backseat with a backpack for a pillow doesn’t sound comfortable? Well, good news: when planned accordingly, road trips are as relaxed, affordable, and fun as any other vacation. So if you’re looking to avoid rest-stop-snoozes and fast-food-overdoses this summer, follow a few of these tips.

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1. Plan Ahead

As exhilarating as it is to just hop in the car and drive, your vacation is better served by having some idea of where you want to go. Mapping out a route keeps your budget in line and your schedule on time. Go off the beaten path by taking a few back roads or drive through some old towns. You never know what you might discover.https://045181a8c32515f375371a0037219fd1.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

2. But Don’t Plan Too Far Ahead

Outside of affordability, flexibility is the main reason for taking a road trip. Highlight a few must-sees, discover some new spots, and follow the road to the next exciting adventure. Don’t be afraid to spend an extra day at a place you just stumbled on. That’s the reason for your trip!

3. Rack Up Rewards

While not as expensive as a waterfront condo, life on the highway can add up. Grab a rewards credit card and tack on your food, fuel, and lodging expenses. You’ll be halfway to a free vacation by the time you return from your journey.

4. Don’t Travel Every Day

A road trip is about the destinations — not about the actual road. So enjoy some sightseeing on your drive, but plan entire days around specific events or places. You’ll spend enough time in the car over the course of a week, so take some time to relax at one or two special spots. Remember, you’re on vacation! Find out more about Effuel benefits for your engine.

5. Find Comfortable Overnight Arrangements

Nobody is excited about spending the night sleeping on a wheel well on the side of some highway in middle America. Money spent on hotels will be well worth it when you’re energized enough the next day to actually enjoy your scheduled stop. Plus, hot showers, hot breakfasts, and cold air conditioning will save you money on cheap hacks to manufacture those necessities while on the road.

Looking to get away without breaking the bank? Finding a fun and cheap vacation is not an easy task, but there is a simple solution. Nope, it’s not a trip to see your family or a trek to some touristy destination. It’s the good old open road. That’s right, pack the car with food, games, and expectations, cause for the next week the van is your hotel and the interstate is your destination. Wait, a cramped backseat with a backpack for a pillow doesn’t sound comfortable? Well, good news: when planned accordingly, road trips are as relaxed, affordable, and fun as any other vacation. So if you’re looking to avoid rest-stop-snoozes and fast-food-overdoses this summer, follow a few of these tips.

Subscribe to Travel Inspired Living!

Never miss a post! Get Travel Inspired Living straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBEBy subscribing, I consent to receiving emails.

1. Plan Ahead

As exhilarating as it is to just hop in the car and drive, your vacation is better served by having some idea of where you want to go. Mapping out a route keeps your budget in line and your schedule on time. Go off the beaten path by taking a few back roads or drive through some old towns. You never know what you might discover.https://045181a8c32515f375371a0037219fd1.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

2. But Don’t Plan Too Far Ahead

Outside of affordability, flexibility is the main reason for taking a road trip. Highlight a few must-sees, discover some new spots, and follow the road to the next exciting adventure. Don’t be afraid to spend an extra day at a place you just stumbled on. That’s the reason for your trip!

3. Rack Up Rewards

While not as expensive as a waterfront condo, life on the highway can add up. Grab a rewards credit card and tack on your food, fuel, and lodging expenses. You’ll be halfway to a free vacation by the time you return from your journey.

4. Don’t Travel Every Day

A road trip is about the destinations — not about the actual road. So enjoy some sightseeing on your drive, but plan entire days around specific events or places. You’ll spend enough time in the car over the course of a week, so take some time to relax at one or two special spots. Remember, you’re on vacation!

5. Find Comfortable Overnight Arrangements

Nobody is excited about spending the night sleeping on a wheel well on the side of some highway in middle America. Money spent on hotels will be well worth it when you’re energized enough the next day to actually enjoy your scheduled stop. Plus, hot showers, hot breakfasts, and cold air conditioning will save you money on cheap hacks to manufacture those necessities while on the road.