Frugal road trips

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

We go on lots of road trips during the summer months. Our time in the car last from as little as 2 hours to as many as 20. It is easy to spend lots of money, little things can add up quickly. We really try to do as much as we can to keep our costs down.

The most important thing for us is having activities for the kids. If they are occupied and happy it makes the trip easier on all of us. If they are whining and cranky it can be unbearable. A few years ago I found a portable DVD player on sale (Target) for $79.00 and it was the best investment we ever made. It has two screens, they go on the back of the front seats. We bought a bunch of old Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny cartoons that they love and this is the only time they watch them. I get one or two new (well new to them) DVDs before a big trip as well (I’m always on the lookout so I get a great deal). We also pack books and games. They get stir crazy doing one thing for too long so we try to keep them interested and engaged.

They also need food, lots of it. I don’t know what it is, but the instant they get in the car they are hungry. Even if we just ate breakfast or lunch. I can’t figure it out, but it’s a fact and must be dealt with. Hungry kids leads to more whining.

I recommend investing in at least one cooler and make sure that it fits nicely in your car. We have a mini van and our main cooler fits perfectly in-between the two front seats. For longer trips we have another cooler we use as well. I pack food in one and drinks in the other. While I do pack non perishable snacks like raisins, chips, goldfish crackers, cheeze-it’s etc…, we like to have other food as well. Grapes, bananas, yogurt and sandwiches are a must.

If we are on a long trip we don’t stop for food. Almost anything you buy when on the road will be for convenience and expensive. Just stopping for drinks for our family of five would add up quickly. Sandwich’s are a real meal and fill us up. When we are driving long periods I make sure the food we have will count as a real meal. Sandwich’s are great for lunch or dinner. Bagels, croissants, cinnamon rolls and the like make for great breakfast. Pair any of it with some fruit and everyone is full.

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