How You Can Finance A Road Trip in the USA Without Breaking The Bank

It’s that time of year when the air gets warm and the urge to take a road trip just can’t be ignored. Which road trip are you dreaming about? Is it taking in the magnificent scenery along the Million Dollar Highway, considered one of the most scenic drives in the US? Or is it trucking along Highway One from south to north or vice versa?

Whatever road has your name written on it, you’re probably also wondering how you can finance a road trip without breaking the bank. The best part is it’s easy. Each of these tips will help you save big time in little ways that you won’t even feel making a dent in your lifestyle.

Take An Inventory

In classic terms, this is called a budget. But sometimes even just hearing the word sounds kind of painful. The thing about an inventory is it is a neutral evaluation of where your money is going. There’s no judgment, criticism, or finger-pointing involved. Over the next few weeks, track your expenses. Everything. Write down or gather receipts as you go so that you can record accurately what you’re spending money on. If you are part of a couple or a household, get everyone on board with doing this.

Make a Vision Board

This is not a ‘technically’ part of the financing, but it is a critical piece of the process. Make a picture board of your next road trip. Decide where you’d like to go and for how long. Gather all the stories, images, and inspiration for your trip. Imagine that you’re taking the trip and writing home about it. What do you see? What do you feel? What are you saying? By making this future experience visible, you’re intensifying the motivation for saving money for the trip.

Revisit The Inventory

With your trip vividly in mind, revisit the inventory. How do your spending choices stack up compared to the thrill of seeing the Pacific Ocean or taking hairpin turns on the Million Dollar Highway? Most likely, some of the value is changing as you look through this new perspective. As you get inspired, you’re likely to find easy swaps for things you’ve been doing without noticing. For instance, you may realize that eating out every night is costing a lot more than cooking at home. With this single change, you could find money to finance your entire road trip.
Some of the biggest financial wins may also be the most healthy. Consider these tips from health experts that can boost your health while helping you build a road trip fund.

Plan your weekly menu. This will help reduce the stress of shopping, cooking, and food-prep—plus save money.
Bring your lunch to work. If you’re working in an office, brown-bag it. You’ll save a lot of money and have nutritious food mid-day.
Swap meeting over drinks for going for a walk. You will feel the benefit in your wallet and your waistline. Your friends will thank you for the inspiration.
Explore outdoor parks and recreation instead of expensive indoor activities.
Drink water instead of soda, coffee, or alcoholic beverages.

You don’t have to do all of the tips. And, you don’t have to do all the tips all at once. However, once you’ve got the vision board lighting up your wanderlust, you may be unstoppable.

Explore Funding Options

If you and your family are seeking more funds, you may want to look closely at your financial options. Consider using your credit balance to pre-pay for parts of your trip. If you’re doing due diligence, you most likely are looking into personal loans to build credits. These monies can help you build your road trip fund quickly and easily. Of course, if you go the route of credit and loans, be sure to plan a repayment schedule. With a little attention, you can take your road trip and pay off your loan, boosting enjoyment and credit score at the same time.

Engage The Entire Family

If you’re planning a trip with your children. Include everyone in preparation, funding, and planning so that all family members feel included in the process. Get together for family meetings regularly to track your progress and design new strategies. You’re developing positive financial skills while getting ready for an awesome road trip together.
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