The Cheapest Way For College Students To Road-Trip
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Cheapest Way For College Students To Road-Trip

Broke but want to travel?

415
The Cheapest Way For College Students To Road-Trip
Robin Welle

If you're looking for the cheapest road road-trip for you and your pals, you've come to the right place.

Everyone loves a good road trip, but no one likes paying for it. I’ve driven to Seattle, Washington from Huntsville, Texas and back for fun! I love to drive and I love to see new places.

Plane rides are for when you have money, but don’t have time. Road trips are for when you have time and little bit of change in your pocket.

My best friend's sister lives in Seattle, so our housing was taken care of. We made our own meals on the way and while we were there, and we honestly had the most fun driving. We rotated driving, split the gas bill and had so much fun exploring the mountains.

My next road trip will be a week long event, as Seattle only took about two days. Two others and myself will be driving to California! I have not been yet and I am so excited to.

So how do you start planning a budget-friendly road-trip? I'll tell you.


1. Don't just plan for yourself


By plan, I mean don't automatically assume you're the only one paying. In the end, the bill is split. So invite everyone you can, and even if it's you and two people, it can still be super fun and cheap.

If you’re worried about space in the vehicle, pack light, and rotate who drives so people aren’t too cramped in the back the whole way. The more peeps you take, the less the gas bill will be per person.

2. Take advantage of great gas mileage.

I drive a Hyundai Elantra, her name is Ethel, and she gets an average 41 miles to the gallon on the highway and an average of 36 when I'm in town. The newer cars of course will save you so much money! Road trips are way easier when you only have to pay $25 for gas each time you fill up.

If you’re saying, “That depends on how many times you full up.” False. You can go close to 500 miles on one tank in Ethel and that will get you farther than you think.

3. Housing.


If you have family in other states/countries take full advantage. If they don't want you to stay, then you have fam problems that need to get worked out elsewhere. But, in the event they're super welcoming, that's an Airbnb or hotel/motel you don't have to use.

4. Airbnb.


People, this is a God-send. It is available pretty much everywhere and they're cheap, nice, and you can choose a private room or entire home. The hosts are so kind and willing to work with you. It's just an amazing way to see the world.

5. Paying for fun stuff too??


Additional money is for you to decide. Whether it be for fancy food, random mall trips, or just being out an about and getting something, extra money is all on you (your choice).

In the case you're broke from attempting to see the world (aka me) I suggest going to Sams Club and buying in bulk those microwavable mac-n-cheese bowls or ramen (just bring a bowl), because there are microwaves in a lot of gas stations and all of the Airbnb homes, obviously, have one.

If you have accses to a full kitchen in your hosts home, go to HEB and get the $1 pasta boxes, they are so good. You’ll thank me later.

P.S. If you are interested in how to travel for cheap in other countries (mainly Europe) stay tuned for next weeks article.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

98759
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments