Road Tripping Part II - The Route

One of the most important things in planning your route is deciding what is important to YOU. Scenery? Entertaining spots along the way? Saving time? Obviously saving time will equal saving gas but even if you don't want to miss seeing Historic Dustyoldville you can plan an effective, gas saving route. Shoot. I don't even need to say this but I will. USE GOOGLE MAPS. It will give you an estimated time and milage.

For instance, we were having to live on the really frugal side of life and had to avoid toll roads as much as possible. The google route line is draggable and will recalculate the milage and time to accommodate your re-route.

Which brings me to gas. Hope you have a smart phone because you will love the gas apps they offer you. I could do a lousy description or you can go to this page and see a really well done one http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/3/prweb8217156.htm, If you don't have a smart phone then keep an eye out for those gigantic signs bragging about their low gas prices, and take your chances, You will likely find one cheaper a little further down the way (always happens to me) but it is your best option.

Also check this little baby out http://www.commonsensejunction.com/notes/gas-tax-rate.html- it tells you the gas taxes by state (scroll down past the ad). If you are traveling through several states budget your gas purchases accordingly. To visit my family in Mississippi I will make sure I leave Florida with about 1/4 tank left to take advantage of the cheaper gas in Alabama. THEN I will fill up because Mississippi also has high has prices.

Where to stay? Join a hotel chain loyalty club. I am a member of two different ones and the perks change a lot but are mostly free nights. Sometimes they are gas cards, Obviously you will want to make sure that the club you choose has many options on your route. I can honestly say I usually go for the cheapest one with either the Baymont or Choice Hotels Clubs and have never been disappointed. And take advantage of the continental breakfasts. While they are nothing but some bagels, pastries and maybe some cereals and muffins, they are FREE and that is one meal a day you will not have to open your wallet for.

Got any more suggestions? Please share?

Next time: what to do with the food left behind.