Take your car to a mechanic before leaving. Ignoring a car problem leads to more expensive repairs later, so fix everything that's wrong with your car before you drive 300 miles and realize you have a slow radiator leak
Track gas prices using MapQuest. One of the most expensive parts of your trip is going to be gasoline. MapQuest uses data from the Oil Pricing Information Service to plot stations offering the lowest gas prices on a map. Visit the MapQuest gas prices web site (see Resources) and enter your current location to find the lowest gas prices. It's best to have a phone that can access the site, since you probably won't be around computers most of your trip.
Rest in motels or your car. Hotels are traditionally more expensive than motels. Motels typically do not provide the same level of service as a hotel, but if you're only staying one or two nights, then the difference is negligible. You can also sleep in your car to maximize your savings.
Eat out as little as possible. Bring a large cooler and keep it stocked with lunchmeat, cheese, milk and other assorted foods, so that you can make meals without stopping for fast food. Bring a travel-sized grill with you to make tasty dinners on the side of the road.
Follow the posted speed limits. Speeding tickets add up quickly and can put a major dent in both your budget and driving record.
