| The phrase "budget travel" can have a scary ring to | | | | travel magazines and websites. |
| it, conjuring up images of grubby highway motels, | | | | Save on Lodgings |
| fast food, and bunking with relatives until you're all | | | | 9. Use Your Points. Many reward programs let you |
| sick of each other. But it doesn't have to be that | | | | use your points for accommodations and meals. |
| way. | | | | 10. Low Season, Low Prices. When hot spots are off |
| You can turn your next holiday road trip into a fun | | | | season, rates are down and so are the crowds. Take |
| and fantastic budget trip with just a few sensible | | | | the kids out of school if permitted. |
| changes that won't hurt a bit. So in the spirit of | | | | 11. Travel on Weekdays. Plan road trips for |
| frugality, here's our list of the 16 best ways to cut | | | | weekdays instead of weekends and save on |
| costs on road trips and scenic drives. | | | | lodgings, meals and entrance fees. |
| Save on Fuel & Repairs | | | | 12. Military Discounts. Service members, active or |
| 1. Check Your Vehicle. There's nothing more | | | | retired, can get low cost lodgings on bases, rec |
| inconvenient and annoying than car trouble on the | | | | centers, and Armed Forces vacation club rentals. |
| road. So before you go, get a tune up. Bonus | | | | You're also eligible for discounts at some commercial |
| savings: A new air filter and spark plugs are proven | | | | hotels. |
| to reduce gas usage. | | | | Save on Fun Stuff |
| 2. Drive Smarter. Believe it or not, you can shave | | | | 13. Gift Cards. For birthdays or other occasions, ask |
| about 1/3 off fuel costs just by driving less | | | | friends and family for gift cards that are good for |
| aggressively. Save another 10% or more by going | | | | amusement parks, restaurants, gas stations, etc. |
| the speed limit. After all, scenic drives shouldn't go by | | | | 14. Free Scenery. US National Parks have free |
| in a blur. | | | | admission weekends. Check online before you go and |
| 3. Use the Cruise. The cruise control reduces fuel | | | | plan for a veritable smorgasbord of scenic drives |
| consumption by keeping your foot off the gas pedal. | | | | through our eye-popping parklands. |
| 4. Don't Idle More Than 30 Seconds. Turn off the | | | | 15. Meander. See a cute town whizzing by on your |
| engine and save another 20% on budget trips. Isn't | | | | road trip? Pull over, get out of the car and explore. |
| this fun? | | | | Downtown is a good place to start. Then just |
| Save on Meals | | | | meander down side streets discovering historical |
| 5. Eat Better and Cheaper. Avoid tourist traps; ask | | | | architecture, tucked-away parks, quaint little shops, |
| the locals where they eat. | | | | and of course friendly people only too happy to tell |
| 6. Pack a lunch. It's better for your health, your | | | | you about their town. |
| budget, and your fun quotient. When was the last | | | | 16. Take a 24-Hour Vacation. Can't get away for a |
| time you stopped for a picnic on a scenic drive? | | | | holiday? Then take budget day trips down roadways |
| 7. Seek Free Brekkie. Hotels that offer a free | | | | you haven't traveled before. All it'll cost is the fuel |
| breakfast cut the cost of one meal a day. | | | | and a meal. You'll feel refreshed and renewed. |
| 8. Bring Coupons. Many chain eateries offer 2-for-1 | | | | There you go - 16 tips that prove the best things in |
| specials, free beverage coupons, etc. You can also | | | | life are either free or very reasonably priced. So start |
| find discounts for hotels and attractions by combing | | | | planning your next budget trip or scenic drive today. |