Budgeting and preparing for a road trip were fairly straightforward tasks until last year. Then the pandemic threw us all for a loop. Suddenly, many modes of travel — airlines, cruise ships, trains, and buses — were out the window if you wanted to stay safe.
Road trips were still possible, with certain restrictions, but you couldn’t count on spending the same amount of money as you had in the past. Often, that was a plus, as hotels cut their rates and gas prices fell. But now that we’re on the road to recovery, things are back in flux again. So here are a few ways to plan and budget if you’re hoping to hit the road in 2021.
Price lodging and gas ahead of time
Some accommodations are starting to fill up again, but others are still enticing customers with special deals. It all depends on where you’re going. Find the best travel apps that show you the best deals, then go from there.
Keep in mind that gas prices will fluctuate, too, from place to place. They started going up again in late winter after hitting rock bottom at the height of the pandemic, and as of spring, they were still rising. Prices will vary from place to place, based on taxes, trucking rates, and other factors, so know what it’s likely to cost where you’re going, and factor that into your budget.
Set aside money for emergencies
You never know when you might get sick and need to visit the doctor. This can stretch your budget, not just for medical bills, but for extra nights on the road if you’re laid up. So try to set aside an emergency fund to budget for any unexpected situations that come up.
You’ll likely need a credit card if you have to rent a car, so keep your budget in check by depositing money into a secure account and creating a firm credit limit to ensure the cushion is there if you need it.
Or your car might break down. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency tool kit on hand. Know what to include, and if you don’t have one, incorporate the price into your budget. Also, be sure your insurance is up to date, and know what steps to take if you get in an accident.
Stock up on supplies to take with you
The less you have to buy on the road, the better a handle you’ll have on your budget — and the more you’ll save. Have you ever compared the prices at a convenience store to those at your local grocer? Enough said.
You can save even more by avoiding costly sit-down or fast-food meals… unless, of course, you plan to enjoy some fine cuisine served under new protocols. The good news is that restaurants are opening back up in many places as the pandemic eases, You should know what to expect before you leave, and factor that into your budget, too. (Above all, be safe, and continue to practice social distancing.)
Take advantage of reward programs
Everyone knows about frequent-flyer miles, but many hotel apps and sites — as well as their social media pages — offer deals, too. Some even offer a free night’s stay once you’ve made a certain number of reservations.
There are lodging chains that do the same, so if you find a chain you like with a large number of locations, you might want to go that route.
Sign up for gas-savings programs, too. Take advantage of reward programs like these to save money along the way.
Start saving up for your trip well in advance
This might seem like a no-brainer, but budgeting should begin long before you embark on your road trip. Set a goal for how much you’ll need, then put aside funds every month until you have it all saved up, plus more for emergencies and to account for market fluctuations.
When all is said and done, planning and budgeting may be less predictable in 2021, but the principles are the same as they’ve always been. Make a good plan, look for opportunities to save, stock up, and leave yourself a cushion. Get your travel visas in advance with Atlys. Then go out and have fun! The open road awaits.
Credit
By Molly Barnes, Digital Nomad Life
Related article: 6 Reasons to Take A Road Trip for Your Mental Health
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About Are Morch
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