Travel costs, especially driving, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Hidden fees, rising fuel prices, and unexpected upkeep can quickly add up. But with some smart strategies, you can ease the burden on your wallet without sacrificing your adventures. Here are 15 easy ways to cut down on car and travel expenses.
Carpool
Share your daily journey with a few others. By carpooling with others, you’ll reduce one of the biggest expenses, gas. You might even go a step further and share maintenance costs if carpooling sessions become more frequent. Carpooling will also benefit those driving with you, and you can even leave your car at home and start carpooling with others to save more money.
Avoid Toll Roads
Toll roads are an unnecessary expense that can be skipped if you properly plan your route. Some roads in the US have way too many toll roads, and if you’re one of the unlucky ones that pass through a toll every day, you’ll need to cut costs at some point. If possible, try finding a backroad or an untolled roadway that brings you to your destination. Just be careful not to go overboard and pick routes that are much longer and, in turn, eat into your gas expenses.
Maintain Your Car
Car breakdowns are unnecessary and completely avoidable if you know how to lessen car expenses. Find yourself a cheap, yet reliable mechanic. By making sure your car is always in pristine condition, you rule out most chances of unexpected breakdowns or part failures. It will also save you the hassle of quickly trying to repair your car and settling on an expensive repair job.
Join a Car Club
You don’t necessarily need a car. Although America is a car-centered country, it doesn’t mean you always need to own one, especially in a large city. Many car clubs will allow you to cheaply rent a car if you need to get somewhere. Not only does this save you all the maintenance and behind-the-scenes expenses, but it also takes a financial liability out of your life.
Take Public Transportation
Public transport is an awesome option if you have access to it! Many larger cities have reliable public transportation systems in place. In many cases, public transport will turn out cheaper and faster than driving your car to work every day. You might not have as much freedom without a car, but if your goal is to save money on traveling, then you should give public transport a go.
Use Travel Discounts
Insurance companies and travel agencies often provide significant discounts. Your insurance company might’ve signed a deal with a hotel chain, airline, or car rental business, which helps you get discounts others won’t. Instead of going to an expensive hotel, try finding a discounted hotel recommended by your insurer. Make sure to take advantage of discounts so you can enjoy your trip for less!
Travel Light
Don’t get caught by extra baggage costs! Baggage is important, but always be aware of the extra costs certain airlines add on for additional carry-on items. Try to pack as much clothing and other items into your main luggage so you’ll only need to take a small carry-on for essentials. The cost of additional carry-ons is just unnecessary and can be avoided by thinking ahead.
Use Credit Cards
There’s a reason so many people refer to credit cards as free money! If you’ve been keeping up with payments and have improved your credit, it might be possible to pick up a few discounts for your travels. Some discounts include travel rewards for national or international flights, public transport, or points for buying gas. These rewards make spending money less frightening and allow you to enjoy traveling without breaking the bank.
Cut Insurance Costs
Insurance is necessary, but some items on your policy might not be as important as you think. Reviewing your car insurance policy might show that certain coverages aren’t necessary to keep paying for, especially if you don’t drive your car often or work from home. You can also look around for insurance companies that can offer you a better policy at a lower rate.
Don’t Speed
Putting your foot on the gas will get you to places faster, but it’ll also drain your gas tank. If you want to save gas, find your car’s optimal economic cruising speed and stick to it. You should also keep your revs low, as higher revs will use more fuel. Frequent braking and speeding up again will also use excessive gas.
Find Cheap Gas
Not all gas stations have the same fuel rates. Some stations offer slightly lower prices than others, so find the one near you with the most affordable gas. It might not seem like you’re saving a lot in the beginning, but over time you’ll save more money than you think.
Use a Bicycle or Motorcycle
Bicycles and motorcycles are the ultimate short- to medium-distance commuting vehicles! Bicycles are cheap to maintain, and best of all, they don’t use gas to keep them going. You can even pick up an electric bicycle for cheap if you don’t feel like pedaling. Motorcycles are closer to cars but use much less gas and allow for quick medium commutes while you enjoy some fresh air.
Use Insurance Loyalty Benefits
Insurance companies reward loyalty and healthy living! Living a healthier life and sticking with your insurer might provide you with unique discounts for airlines, public transportation, private taxis, and even gas benefits if you don’t drive often. Some insurance companies might also lower your car premium depending on the miles you put on it and give you additional discounts.
Look Out for Hidden Costs
Traveling always includes hidden costs, so you need to spot and avoid them wherever possible. Instead of buying food on a road trip, pack your snacks from home and avoid purchasing unnecessary items in an airport where everything is overcharged. Don’t forget to keep your bags light and find rental cars that aren’t too expensive.
Buy a Cheaper Car
Your car could be a bigger problem than you realize. Many older cars tend to use more gas than newer ones, and they also tend to be difficult and, at times, expensive to maintain due to a lack of available parts. Try to look for an affordable yet economical car that won’t cost you a lot on gas and maintenance.
