With the holidays right around the corner, many families are gearing up for the drive to grandma’s house. If your road trip includes multiple children and many, many miles, then you likely want to keep moving, so you can get to your vacation destination as quickly as possible. In addition, you probably don’t want to spend too much money while on the road, especially if you dropped a bundle purchasing a ton of Christmas gifts.
So, how can you keep the cost of your road trip to a minimum as you gear up for holiday travel? Here are some simple tips:
Cooler: Pack a cooler with simple food items your kids enjoy. You can place non-perishable goods, such as bread, nuts, cereal and crackers in a collapsible duffel bag. Pass out the snacks in the car instead of visiting a fast food drive-thru. You can also use the items to make quick and affordable hotel room breakfasts.
Skip the restaurant: Rather than blow a bunch of cash feeding your entire family at a sit-down restaurant while you are on the road, visit a supermarket and eat in your hotel room. If your room has a microwave you can heat up frozen dinners. Another option is to purchase a rotisserie chicken, some buns, a bagged salad and a small bottle of dressing. The amount you will spend on those items will likely cost less than a single restaurant entree.
Fill up on appetizers: If your family insists on eating at a restaurant, consider visiting during happy hour when you can score super deals on appetizers. Many eateries offer 2 for 1 appetizer; order a few, and have the entire family share.
Use your smartphone: Put your phone to good use by downloading apps that search for cheap food. You can sort by category, meal specials and other cheap eat filters. Also, don’t forget to check out various social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. They are a great way to find freebies and other special offers from popular restaurant chains.
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