Every summer, thousands of Americans hit the road and travel across the country.  Whether it’s a small two hundred mile ride, or a three thousand mile ride, there are plenty of ways to save, when you’re taking your road trip across America.

Book your hotel ahead of time

Instead of stopping at random hotels on the road, try booking your rooms ahead of time.  With services like Priceline, where you can name your own price, you can get a huge discount on your hotel room, rather than paying full price.  Even if you don’t book online, try haggling with the front desk.  Many hotels are willing to give you a discount if the rooms aren’t filled to capacity.

Bring your food along

Some of the most expensive expenses on your road trip will be your food an drinks.  Pack up a cooler, and buy some snacks, and sandwiches.  This alone will save you the trip from paying $5-$15 a person every time you stop at a restaurant.

Save on gas with a gas card

No matter what you drive, you’re going to have to fill up with gas.  If you don’t have a gas credit card already, I would recommend that you do so.  Every time you fill up, you can get a rebate as high as 10%.  This is a great way to save on gas for your road trip. 

Stop at rest areas for coupons

If you’re not the type that wants to book a hotel ahead of time, stop at a rest area right before you’re going to stay the night.  Many rest areas will have coupon books filled with hotel, and food coupons.  You can use these to your advantage, and easily save 50% on your hotel room.

Road trips are supposed to be fun, and if you can save money, go for it!  These are just a few steps that you can take in order to save on your next road trip.  Whenever you’re on vacation, remember to try not and let money get in your way to ruin a fun time.