We’re a big road trip family and this summer is no different. We have trekked from Connecticut to Wisconsin (numerous times!), Arkansas and Florida and this summer has us meeting friends in Pittsburgh. Some people think we’re nuts to hit the road with three young boys in tow, but it’s become our tradition (with some of our best family stories!) and it’s all great fun!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to not only survive, but to enjoy your family road trip this summer.
When planning a road trip you want to think beyond the logistics of where you are going and the things you need to pack for the destination. Think about the trip itself, about ways that you can save money, pack for comfort and entertain the whole family along the way.
Hidden costs can sneak up on you when you hit the road but a little advance planning goes a long way! For instance rest stop purchases can add up to a lot of cash! Why not pack your own food including some sandwiches, fruit, drinks and some healthier treats. Both your wallet and your stomach will thank you. I also suggest spending a few moments on a mapping website to chart out your best course and estimate your gas cost. I’m not much of a budgeter (ask my husband!) but when it comes to travel I don’t want to say no to the fun stuff so I try to cut corners where I can. Another thought is to look for credit cards with rewards and incentives.
A great credit card I’ve come across is Chase Freedom, because it actually pays you back for your summer travel purchases. You can earn a total of 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 on travel purchases (gas, hotels, and airline purchases). This promotion runs now through September and then stay tuned, because every season Chase offers another great money back promotion to match the season. And good news: there is no annual fee!
Another great way to save money with a tad bit of advance planning is to look for a family-friendly hotel that is comfortable, provides continental breakfasts and offers various ways to save. And when you’re checking with hotels don’t forget to ask if kids under 17 stay free and try to find a room with a refrigerator and microwave in the room so you can save leftovers from the meals you eat out.
Baymont Inn & Suites fits the bill and is often our choice were we feel right at home. With almost 250 locations around the country they are easy to find and kids under 17 do indeed stay for free when traveling with their parents! I also love the suites…. Kids get their room, we get ours…everyone is happy. All of their hotels offer free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and they are also part of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program so you can earn points during each stay. Plus now when you book your stay 20 days in advance, you’ll save 20 percent. Be sure to book directly at BaymontInns.com for their best rate guarantee.
Cell phones are also an important safety tool and of course a smart phone helps you stay connected while on vacation… just make sure it’s on your terms! A great phone out for Verizon is the LG Revolution. This phone is incredibly fast (it’s on the 4G network); I can actually get on the web and receive my emails as fast as I do on my computer. This phone is quite sleek and stylin’ and it has all the multimedia capabilities you could hope for (pictures, music, maps…). It’s also the first android to come pre-loaded with Netflix. Very cool. Now you can watch movies during drive breaks or (if you’re willing to part with it) keep your kids entertained.
Have a safe, fun and relaxing road trip!!
Thanks to our sponsors for this great information!
This article is sponsored by: Baymont Inn and Suites, Chase Freedom and LG Revolution.
