As classes begin to wind down and summer approaches, many students soon will notice their currently busy schedules start to clear up, providing them more time to do the things they have been wanting to do all year.
This break from school is the ideal time to participate in these fun activities, such as road tripping, because of warm weather and the lack of classes. But hitting the road and exploring new places can come with a high price tag that many students can’t afford, so it’s important to cut any unnecessary costs.
Alternative housing
If you’re going on a longer road trip and will need a place to stay for several nights, a hotel probably isn’t your best option, as they can be expensive.
If you plan to travel through an area that might have a campground, bring along a tent and stay there. Renting a spot for the night and pitching your tent won’t be nearly as expensive as staying in a hotel. An overnight stay at Sleepy Hollow State Park, 7835 E. Price Road, in Laingsburg, Mich., will cost you about $20. Other parks can cost as little as $13 or as much as $30 a night. Depending on the campsite, you might also get a hot shower in the morning.
If you prefer to have a real roof over your head, try using a site such as couchsurfing.org, which allows you to connect with people throughout the world and stay on their couch — for free.
The website lets its users contact people who are willing to make their homes available to strangers and stay with them for a given amount of time. Not only will you have a comfortable place to stay at no cost, but you also will have the opportunity to become friends with someone who is familiar with the area in which you are visiting.
Cheap carpooling
Gas isn’t getting any cheaper, and the more the price of fuel rises, the harder it is for students to fund a road trip.
By taking a vacation with friends and splitting the cost of gas, you immediately cut the amount of money you will spend on gas at least in half, depending on the number of travelers you bring along for the ride.
If you don’t have any friends who are willing to partake in your road trip, don’t rule out carpooling just yet.
There are plenty of websites, such as eRideShare.com, that allow users to find other travelers in their area who are looking to share a ride with someone.
You still will save money by sharing the cost of fuel with others, and you will get to spend hours in a car with someone totally new.
Frugal food
Even though many fast food restaurants offer discounted items on their dollar or value menus, eating out at such establishments can be pricey, and not to mention unhealthy.
Instead of pulling off the highway multiple times a day for a quick meal at McDonald’s or Taco Bell, find a local grocery store and stock up on essentials there.
Granola bars and fruit are great breakfast items that are easy to store and require no cooking. Sandwiches are good for lunch or dinner, and you can choose from a variety of different types, such as turkey, ham or peanut butter and jelly.
After you grow tired of the same basic meals, treat yourself to someone else’s cooking if you have the means.
If you come across a mom-and-pop shop during your travels, it might be worth checking out. These restaurants often offer more food for less money than a chain store, and you’ll get to enjoy some time at a comfortable sit-down location rather than eating behind the wheel.
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