Summer Family Travel Savings: Driving and Camping

Whether it’s enjoying the scenery on the road, swimming or boating in the lake, or backpacking and hiking in the mountains, summer always makes people want to go outdoors. Self-driving tours and camping are becoming more and more popular family vacations in recent years. Here are some tips for you to enjoy a beautiful and affordable summer trip.

Self-driving tours

Have you packed your luggage and car and are ready to start a self-driving trip? In recent years, more and more families have chosen to drive their own cars to spend a fulfilling vacation on the road. The road of self-driving travel is infinite, whether it is to visit relatives and friends, or to start an unprecedented adventure journey, the beauty of self-driving travel is not only in the distance, but also on the road.

Before departure, carefully check the condition of the vehicle to ensure that it can complete the journey smoothly: it is best to go to a 4S shop for inspection and repair, which can not only save money but also avoid possible failures at any time. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to wear out your vehicle on a long journey, renting a car is also an option, but you must think carefully and choose a more appropriate and economical way.

Be prepared : Problems such as flat tires and battery failures can cause endless trouble on your journey, and if you are not prepared in advance, the situation will only be worse. Keep a spare tire in the car and check tire pressure and tread. These preparations should not be neglected. Put some maintenance tools in your bag so that you can repair the car on the road at any time. Carry some wires, coolant and oil to save you a lot of trouble.

Plan your route in advance : Traveling on a whim is very capricious, but your wallet will definitely suffer. Planning your route in detail in advance, especially accommodation and attractions, can help you save a lot of money. If you just want to be capricious, you might as well make a rough plan of the main attractions and routes, and then stop for those unexpected beauties along the way.

Comparison sites help you save money : Booking in advance and using comparison sites can help you avoid the embarrassment of dragging the tiredness of a long journey to find a hotel. If you can’t book in advance, you can save money by using hotel coupons, hotel booking apps, group buying sites or reward points. Camping is also a good choice. If you have prepared equipment such as tents and sleeping bags in advance, camping can save a lot of money.

Soothe your kids and avoid unnecessary stops: Kids can get antsy in the back seat, and if you don’t prepare ahead of time, you may have to stop or buy something to soothe them. Keep some snacks and meals in the car ahead of time so you don’t have to buy them at the convenience store at the gas station, which can also save a lot of money.

In addition, you can also let your children choose other activities, such as playing music or preparing some games suitable for playing on the road. If you have a tablet or smartphone, it is also a good idea to download some small games, podcasts or movies in advance.

Lock doors and windows before leaving home: If possible, ask a neighbor, friend or relative to check on your home regularly. Make sure doors and windows are locked and electrical appliances and circuits are turned off before leaving home.

Self-driving tours can be exciting and economical, allowing you to see the country’s scenery, but if you are not fully prepared, it may lead to higher costs. Planning ahead and taking precautions will definitely help you avoid worrying about expenses and enjoy a pleasant journey.

camping

Camping is a cost-effective way to spend your leisure time with family and friends. Did you know that camping may seem simple, but there are many tips to save money?

Choose a nearby park as your travel destination: Avoiding flights or long self-driving trips is a good way to save travel expenses. Perhaps the beautiful scenery is right around you. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, or you can search for reviews online to learn about surrounding suburbs, hiking trails, camping sites, etc.

Prepare a tent: Among all the options, tent camping is the cheapest option. Many outdoor product brands and stores sell tents. However, it should be noted that cheap does not necessarily mean good products, so don’t forget to read the reviews when purchasing.

With a little searching, you will find many affordable camping options and tent hotels for you to choose from. But no matter where you are, please remember to protect the environment and don’t litter!

Buy the gear you need: Here are three questions to help you decide whether to rent or buy your gear. If you decide to buy, how do you choose between affordable and high-end products? Before making your final decision, ask yourself:

• Do you already have equipment you can use?
• Will you use this equipment often?
• How long will this equipment last?

If you only go camping occasionally, buying a cheap tent is enough; if you are a camping enthusiast, buying a good tent will be more practical.

If it’s your first time camping, you don’t have to buy a new tent, sleeping bag, mat, and backpack. You can rent equipment online or at a nearby sporting goods store, or borrow equipment from a friend who also loves camping.

Even if you decide to buy high-end gear, you can save money by buying used gear that has only been used once or twice and has no quality issues.

Although saving money is important, there are some expenses that cannot be easily saved, such as medical first aid. A first aid kit is definitely worth the money. In addition, if you need to stay in the wild for a few days, it is recommended that you take a wilderness first aid training course to learn some necessary first aid skills.

Don’t spend too much on food and beverages: Avoiding crowds and having a picnic at a campsite is a more cost-effective option. In addition to confirming a place to have a picnic, don’t forget to prepare a cooler to store perishable foods, and then put them in a convenient and safe place to pack. In addition, matches, lighters, aluminum foil, portable grills, metal tongs, lightweight kettles, and pots are also necessary. Preparing these items in advance may take some time, but it can save a lot of money. Cooking over a fire is an important part of camping. With these tools, you can make a hearty meal.

Camping trips may seem cheap, but it’s easy to break your budget. Whether you want to go far away or camp near the city, a little planning can make your vacation more enjoyable while avoiding financial stress.