Did you say road-trip? Hitting the road is one of the best feelings ever. As I’m about to enjoy another road-trip in Australia, I thought I’d share this with the ones who’d like to do the same somewhere else. Enjoy this guest post about road-tripping in the USA on a budget including some top budget tips and some campervan rentals affordable options.
Traveling around the country remains a popular pastime. As Americans, we tend to have an ongoing fascination with traveling the open road and exploring everything this beautiful country has to offer. Launched in the 1950s, along with the nation’s highway system, our road trip culture remains a strong part of who we are.
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Renting an RV in the USA (Affordable RV Rentals)
So, you’ve decided you want to RV around the US, but there’s just one teeny hitch. You don’t have an RV, and you either don’t have the money to splurge on buying one or you want to give the idea a try before you invest in an RV of your own. Renting an RV can be a great way to save money and figure out if the RVing lifestyle is really right for you.
Sites like RVshare.com provide all sorts of options for renting everything from full-size motor coaches to small travel trailers. So whatever your style and budget might be, you can find something that’ll suit you and your travel buddies. Plan your travels between peak seasons and there’s a good chance you could save even more money when renting an RV in the United States.
Free and Cheap Places to Stay in the USA
When it comes to finding a place to park your RV for the night, or even for a few days while you explore the local area, options run the gamut from luxury RV resorts to bare-bones campsites. If you’re on a budget but still want to tour around the country, there’s no reason to shell out the equivalent of what it would cost to stay in a motel just to park your RV. There are many cheap places to park and some that are even free. For instance, many RVers opt to park at a truck stop or even in a spacious parking lot, like Walmart. If you’re just traveling through, it’s a complete waste of money to spend your funds on a campsite you won’t actually use.
Another option would be to just simply park somewhere, but beware that this can be illegal and even unsafe in many areas. Local regulations often prohibit parking overnight, so if you’re considering it, always make sure you ask first.
National parks, state parks, and even parks operated by the Army Corps of Engineers are other great, inexpensive places to stay. This can be particularly true if you are traveling out of season. As a bonus, these sites offer some basic amenities and plenty of natural beauty.
Cheap and Even Free Activities To Do In the USA
Of course, the whole point of RVing around the US is to enjoy the experience, and that means enjoying all types of activities. If you’re on a budget, it could easily cramp your style. The good news is that there are plenty of activities you can enjoy that are free or inexpensive. For example, if you’re the outdoorsy type, take a little time to research hiking and biking trails in the area where you plan to visit. Make sure you bring along your camera to capture your adventures.
You’ll find that many activities in the areas where you travel have a small cost, but there are often days where entry fees are discounted or entry is even free. For example, museums often offer days where you can get in for free. Other attractions also frequently offer specific discount days, which can be a great way to truly make the most of your travels and save money.
Be sure to check the local newspapers when you’re in a new destination. You just never know what you might be missing out on!
Stay Longer and Drive Less
It’s wise to create a travel itinerary for your trip rather than just seeing where the road takes you. While the latter might sound more adventuresome, if you’re on a budget, planning your adventure can help you save a tremendous amount of money. One way to do this is to make fewer stops and spend more time at each of your destinations. Not only can you save money on the cost of fuel, but you might also be able to save money on camping since many RV parks and campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays. You might be surprised to find that you’ll also be a lot more relaxed when you spend more time in one place.
Cook All Your Meals In The RV
One of the biggest benefits of traveling around the country in an RV is that you have all the comforts of home, so be sure to make use of your kitchen! Prepare all your meals in your motor-home or travel trailer rather than eating out. If you’re pressed for time or want to make sure you have ample time for exploring your destinations, make some dishes ahead that you can just heat up. Planning to be out exploring the local area and not returning to your RV for lunch? Spend a few extra minutes before you head out that morning to pack a lunch you can bring along with you. Brown bagging it is relatively simple and fast and happens to be a great way to save a few dollars while you’re out exploring.
You can easily find a motor-home with a fully stocked kitchen for a decent price at sites like RVshare.com, and many RVs have nicer kitchens than a typical apartment! A family of four can save a lot of money by preparing meals in the RV, all while eating healthier.
Traveling in the US in an RV is still the American dream for many people. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun. With some advance planning and taking advantage of the opportunity to rent an RV rather than buying one outright, you can still explore the country while enjoying the RV lifestyle. Take a look at this California road trip itinerary.
Planning a road trip, but in Canada instead? You should consider this epic Canadian road trip through Banff and Jasper!
Do you own an RV? Did you know you can rent it out for other travelers?
