During the past year we traveled over 9,000 miles in seven months and being retired we are definitely on a budget. With a goal for achieving the most travel with the least amount of expenditure, we constantly monitor ways we can save money along the way.
When my husband and I purchased our RV, we set out to determine how many miles per gallon it could achieve. We experimented with driving speeds and discovered that we could increase the mileage an entire mile per gallon just by keeping our coach’s speed between 57 and 62 miles per hour on Interstate highways. Creeping up to higher speeds just did not pay off with the resulting miles per gallon going down dramatically. At the slower speed we still get to our destination within an acceptable time frame. Checking tire pressure regularly and twice a year tune-ups also proved to keep the gas mileage up. Adding one to two miles per gallon on average gives us an additional range of 60 to 120 miles per tank fill up! Being Good Sam Club members, we also save on fuel with club discounts at either Flying J or Pilot truck stops.
Traveling midweek we incur less costly per-night rates. Whenever possible we also plan our stay for long enough to utilize a lower weekly rate or in some cases even a monthly rate. We choose an area where there are lots of activities we want to pursue or pick a pleasant environment we’ll enjoy during a longer stay. Depending on an area’s definition of seasonal dates, we discovered ways to save by utilizing “off-season rates” in some locations. Keep in mind one area’s “in-season” is often another’s “off-season.”
By reviewing local newspapers, we locate seasonal festivals, car rallies, farmer’s markets, craft shows and more. Don’t forget winery tours, factory tours, flea markets, fairs and art galleries or driving tours through historical sites. Many of these events have no entry fee or only a small admission price to discover more about an area or a subject that interests you. Some museums and attractions offer annual memberships that will give you the opportunity to save money if you plan to visit more than once. Strolling the streets of an interesting town, walking along a gorgeous beach or hiking along an inspiring park trail can all be accomplished free of charge.
We also save money by preparing and eating meals at the coach whenever possible making the occasional meal out at a restaurant a special treat. Preparing meals gives us control over the cost and leads to healthier choices.
RVing on a budget is like counting calories. Until you keep track of what you spend, you will never know how much is slipping through your fingers. Record your expenditures, categorize them and add up the numbers. Only then will you be able to identify what you are spending and make any necessary adjustments as you head down the road.