Is it really possible to road trip and have a great time on $150 a day? 

Travel pro Amy Graff, who pens the blog, OnTheGoWithAmy.blogspot.com, says yes in today’s economy, the family road trip is back with a vengeance and with the average price of gas less than it was last year, she says hitting the road is one of the cheapest options for a family vacation.

Last year, Graff and her family road tripped one of my favorite highways – scenic Route 66 – on $250 a day.  This year, she says they’ll hit the highways and byways again – but on a tighter budget: $150 a day. She plans to drive the length of the Mississippi River with her husband and two children, budgeting for gas, food, hotel and attractions. 

Graff offers these tips for families looking to have a great time on a budget:

1. Book Hotels Which Offer Extra Value
Graff advises not to look at hotels which only have the lowest prices, but to also consider all add-on fees such as hotels that provide Internet, breakfast, parking and other amenities at no extra cost. Best Western hotels will reward a free night to members of its loyalty program who book two separate stays at any of its 2,200 North American hotels between June 21 and August 16, 2009. (bestwestern.com)

2. Don’t Pay For Entertainment
Graff recommends visiting your local library before your trip for DVDs, books and books on tape, and/or download free printable car bingo and more fun games at familyfun.com. She says to forgo pricey admission fees and instead check out parks for picnics, build sand castles at beaches and stretch your car-cramped legs on hiking trails. Another good idea is to plan your trip around free festivals, fairs and parades. (festivals.com)

3. Save Money on Gas
Extra weight cuts into fuel economy, so Graff reminds everyone to pack light. Carrying 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent, so Graff recommends using the trunk instead of a roof rack, which decreases mileage by as much as 5 percent. Check with aaafuelgaugereport.com for the lowest gas prices.  She also notes that under-inflated tires can decrease fuel economy by as much as 2 percent below the recommended level.

Tags: Advice, General // Add Comment »