How to Have an Amazing RV Road Trip Without Breaking the Bank
Saving money can be challenging, especially so when you’re an Rver. But it doesn’t need to feel like a challenge if you’re willing do some simple things to ensure an amazing RV road trip without breaking the bank. Unexpected expenses sometimes pop up and set people back financially and owning an RV shouldn’t feel like another expense.
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What We Didn’t Learn from Other RVers
When we committed to an RV life, we had no way to guestimate what our monthly expenses would be, until we had experienced it. All we knew was there would be no more monthly house payment, and that excited us.
But, after only the first month on the road, we saw our preconceived notion of saving our $1,400 per month house payment disappear!
We had ditched the bills of a sticks and bricks life, only to replace them with new expenses.
Luckily, there are several ways to save on the road without giving up all those fun benefits that come along with traveling. We have found helpful ways in saving our pennies while on the road, which will leave all those happy dollars inside your pocket instead.
How to Save Money on Food
Planning to cook in your RV kitchen will save you tons of money over time. Plus, saving money on food will allow you to enjoy an amazing RV road trip without breaking the bank, by spend money on other fun activities, or have a fund set aside for any unexpected events.
Packing lunches when you are spending the day away from your camper will save you money and is healthier for you. If you do decide to eat at a restaurant, look for coupons in local magazines or online. Look for BOGO coupons, (buy one, get one free, or half-off a meal.)
Also, eating at restaurants will break the bank, but who wants to pass on the local cuisine? Not us! We’ve found it quite standard across the country, food portions are usually large enough to have left-overs, so sharing a meal with your travel partner will save you money and save space in the limited size of your RV fridge.
Resist the urge to buy too much fresh produce at once. Depending on the time of the year, humidity, or heat in your RV will ruin veggies and fruits before you can use them. Splitting your shopping days to a couple of times a week helps with this.
Free RV Camping
If you’re looking for a way to relax and get away from it all, and you want an authentic experience, boondocking may be your answer. Take advantage of BLM land. (Bureau of Land Management)
These areas are mostly free to stay, however, occasionally you may be required to purchase a permit for a minimal fee, this type of camping on your road trip won’t break the bank. You can stay in one location for up to 2 weeks having fun exploring nature and enjoying the experience of solitude which helps you recharge.
Mid-Week Travelers
Traveling during the week rather than on weekends can also save you money. Many businesses offer discounts for mid-week travelers, so be sure to ask about those when you’re making your travel plans. Furthermore, if you want to stretch those miles to travel further on your next road trip without breaking the bank, fuel up during the week and get lower gas prices, and avoid traveling weekends and holidays.
RV Memberships and Clubs
Another great way to save money is by taking advantage of memberships and clubs that offer discounts on everything from camping to attractions. These exclusive memberships give RVers added benefits while saving them money!
Harvest Hosts:
A membership club that gives RVers access to over 1,200 unique locations where they can stay overnight for free. These locations include wineries, breweries, farms, golf courses, even ghost towns.
Boondockers Welcome:
A unique membership club that connects RVers with hosts who welcome them to stay overnight on their property for free. This is a great way to meet new people and save money while traveling.
Good Sam:
Another popular club that offers its members 10% off at participating campgrounds, as well as other discounts on gas, RV repairs, and more.
Passport America:
This membership gives you access to over 1,800 quality campgrounds at a 50% discount. There are also many other RV memberships and clubs available, so do your research to see which one would be the best fit for you.
Make sure to read any limitations on camping options, some memberships are only in certain parts of the country and may not offer discounts during holidays or weekends. However, joining clubs like these you can get sweet deals on your next rv trip!
Keep Your RV Well-Maintained
One of the best ways to save money while RVing is to keep your rig in good shape. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. By properly maintaining your RV, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
Be sure to regularly check your RV’s tire pressure and tread depth, as well as its oil level and brake fluid. It’s also a good idea to keep your RV’s exterior maintained, especially your slides and roof. This helps you avoid expensive repairs.
Off Season Savings
You may find popular destinations during the high travel season can be costly. Plan your trip to touristy spots during their off-season, or find camping options further out from the attraction. If you are interested in simplifying your RV trip planning, here’s some tips which will have you trip planning like a Pro.
Children’s Memberships
If you have children, be sure to ask about any memberships they offer. You can often find savings on zoos, aquariums, and other kid-friendly attractions.
Military Discounts
Military discounts are another great way to save while on the road. If you are an active or retired military member, many businesses offer discounts on products and services. This includes campgrounds, theme parks, and stores. Be sure to ask about discounts before making any purchases. You may be surprised at how much you can save.
Senior Discounts
One easy way to save money while RVing is to take advantage of senior discounts. Many establishments offer discounts to those over a certain age, so be sure to carry your ID with you when you go out. This can include restaurants, movie theaters, and even campgrounds. If you’re not sure whether a business offers a discount, it never hurts to ask!
National Park Passes
You can purchase National Park passes. They offer a variety of passes for different types of travelers. The most popular being the America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass, this pass is $80 and provides free entrance to anyone for a full year at over 2,000 locations managed by five Federal agencies.
There are also Military, Senior, Volunteer, Access, Every Kid in a Park, and Disability passes available. Knowing about these options in advance will save you money.
Last Minute Deals
If you’re flexible with your travel plans, you may be able to find some great last-minute deals. This is especially true if you’re willing to travel during the week or during the off-season.
Many campgrounds and RV parks offer discounts for last-minute bookings, so it’s worth checking into. You may also find that some attractions offer discounts if you book at the last minute as well.
FAQ’s from Other Readers on this Topic
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are quite a few ways that you can save money while traveling in your RV. By following the tips above, you can be sure that your next RV trip will be more affordable than ever before.
In addition, when planning your next amazing RV road trip, make sure you don’t ruin it, you’ll want to avoid these mistakes!
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Do you have any other tips for saving money on the road? Share them with us.
