RV vacations are getting way trendy, but the good news is, they’re easier on your budget than you might realize. In fact, with a little careful planning and smart choices, you can design an exciting trip that comes in at under $200 a day, something that few other vacations can boast.
Here are 4 tips and ideas for keeping your trip under budget:
1. Eat In
It can be tempting, especially if it’s your first time on the road, to spend a lot of your mealtimes at restaurants and fast food joints. But takeout gets expensive pretty quickly, especially when you have the ease and convenience of a kitchen quite literally at your fingertips. Pick up the necessities for some easy, basic meals (you really don’t want to get too elaborate on the road) at a local supermarket and grab some charcoal. Make use of campground grills and enjoy the ever changing scenery with home cooked meals. A small crock pot or slow cooker can be another great time and money saver when it comes to food on the go.
2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
It may not be something that you associate with saving money, but keeping the tires on your rented RV properly inflated will not only make it easier to drive and handle, but it will save you money over the cost of the trip on gas, as well.
3. Bring Essentials with You
Remembering to pack basics at the beginning of your trip–including things like sunscreen, charcoal, phone chargers, insect repellent, and hygiene essentials–will save you some cash as well, since these things will cost quite a bit more on the road at places like convenience stores and gas stations.
4. Travel Off-Peak
If possible, plan your vacation for off-peak seasons. You’ll most likely pay a lot more for your RV rental during holiday weekends, and at the height of summer. That’s also when campground fees are at their height–and when crowds are thickest. So shave some money off the entirety of your trip by picking a less clamored-for date.
