So you want to drive cross-country and you don't have a lot of money to invest in the enterprise. No matter; you can still enjoy the wonders of the United States with not a whole lot of money by following a few basic tips. All it requires is a bit of planning, a bit of forethought and you'll enjoy a great vacation.
Apply for a gas card that offers rebates for all gas you purchase. Gas will be your biggest expense by far, barring your car breaking down. Getting the card is really the only way to keep the cost down, short of purchasing a hybrid or riding a motorcycle. Other ways to cut down on your gas expenditures is to drive the speed limit, as studies have shown fuel efficiency to be highest around 60 MPH. Also, when you arrive at a national park or a city; park and walk around rather than drive. Finally, pack as light as possible; the more weight in the car, the more gas you'll use.
Keep hotel costs down. The prices of hotels vary widely; from as little as $29.99 per night to as high as several hundred dollars for a five star in a major city. Most road-side hotels are about the same; choose one that is brightly lit and looks safe, but cheap. Don't run up any incidental charges, such as phone calls in the room or pay-per-view movies. When you're in a national park, use the camp grounds for just a few dollars by bringing your own tent and sleeping bag.
Pack your own food. Even if you hit the drive-thru fast food restaurants three times a day you'll still spend upwards of $10 a meal. Purchase a cooler that you can plug into your cigarette lighter and into a regular power plug so you can carry you own food. Visit grocery stores as you make your way across the country. You'll be able to take your own sandwiches and, if you want a hot meal, pick up a single electric plug-in burner and bring a pot. You'll be able to make your own soup, pasta and rice; all cheap items that aren't perishable. If you're a coffee drinker, make coffee in the room before you hit the road and load it into a thermos; save the $3.00 a pop at Starbucks.
Pack equipment to change a tire. The number one nemesis to a cross-country drive is that random piece of junk in the middle of the road which takes out your tire...in the middle of nowhere. Rather than calling AAA, change the tire yourself; you'll save time and money. You will want to bring a manual steel star wrench and an electric socket wrench, both of which you can pick up at your local Wal-Mart for a few dollars. Finally, make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and ready for use. A spare tile will get you around 50 miles; more than far enough to buy a new tire or get the old one repaired.
Join AAA before you hit the road. While you may not want to go to the trouble and expense of calling them for a simple tire change, you will want to have someone to call in case of a major accident or mechanical breakdown. They also offer free towing (up to a few miles), which could save you some serious money.
