Lists. I have 4 kids and a Husband. I would lose my mind if i didnt write things down. We are doing a 2 week multistate trip. First time. Thank you! I started thinking about what i need 2 months ago lol
Great tips I'm goingon my first solo camping trip soon, I'm living Karratha Western Australia- so I have a little giggle when you associate summer with camping - it reached 50c /122f in January here so yeah winter camping it is!!! Thanks
As a long time cross country traveler - make a checklist on what to take with you. Take a cooler and shopping bags with most of your meals and snacks purchased from grocery stores. Ice is relatively cheap compared to what you can get at gas stations or fast food joints, and healthier. Know your 24/7 emergency roadside assistance number from your insurance (put it in your glove box). Carry a basic car tool kit. Text a friend or family member along the route letting them know where you are in case of an emergency.
I carried a cooler and kept it well-iced and still managed to get a nasty case of food poisoning that made me halt my trip for 2 days when something went bad. Ever since, I've only carried non-perishable items in my car.
for packing....im a car camper. i have my tent, but i use bins that ride in the car. 1) clear bins so you can see whats in them. 2) a list on the lid of the bin so you know whats in them. 3) go through the bins and make sure its all there, then label it as good to go. i like masking tape and pen.
Here's another one for you: Plan to drive at night. That way you spend zero time in traffic / wasting gas! Also, the cooler temps are more energy efficient (but not when it's freezing cold, so this is a 3 season rule of thumb). This is also great if there's no good place to camp, because you can stop in any large parking lot to sleep in the car during the day! Most people aren't worried about car sleeping during the daytime, and in a crowded parking lot, you're unlikely to have the safety issues that people associate with camping.
My boyfriend and I have a pretty nocturnal schedule. I was planning on fixing that before traveling, but is it better not to? For a more inexperienced driver, is nighttime still safer? :)
I normally stay in hotels on my annual cross country road trip. This year due to high gas prices, I’m seriously considering staying at campsites at least some of the time on my trip. It’s really changing my way on how to think about prepping for long distance trips. (2022)
This goes along with the snacks, but if you're going on days long car trips I like to pack a variety of cold cut sandwiches to have for lunches and dinners. You'll be amazed how much you save not eating out for every meal
I bring instant soup mix, Tasty Bites, instant miso, rolled oats, cup noodle, dry veggies, powder milk, and ready to eat rice to make quick dinner. I put ingredients into a food thermo before adding hot water. By meal time, everything is cooked, hot, and ready to eat. I do road trip by myself therefore I sleep in the car (tent takes more time).
Loved your tips! I’ll especially remember the one about getting free hot water during stops for making instant coffee. We try to bring our own food, too, for snacks, etc. However, we usually want a hot meal for dinner when we’re on the road; so, I gather as many coupons I can for a variety of restaurant possibilities. I’ve also signed up for many restaurants’ emails & rewards programs for deals (including free birthday deals!). This way, we usually always have a “deal for a meal,” whether it’s for fast food or another type of meal.
Looking for coupons in advance for dinner is a great idea! Usually after a full day of snacks, I definitely want more of a meal for dinner. Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you liked the video! 😁
Good planning is essential to save money on a road trip. I like to have my accommodation sorted in advance so I don't have to organise something at the last minute
We forgot our sleeping bags ONE time, but we layered up and used the blankets from the car to keep warm. Now we both have specific roles for packing up the car, and always double check for essentials. Never rush! Such a great tip.
Good tips. We definitely save by packing food and water from grocery stores rather than dining out every meal. We also tend to travel Sunday-Wednesday when motels cost less and crowds at national parks are smaller.
#7 Pack when you are relaxed - such a great tip! I'm a big list maker - love packing lists and will take my time going through them days in advance. Although, I'll often still end up staying up late the night before, I prefer staying up late vs scrambling last minute the morning of. Packing when rushed is the worst! And had to give the video a thumbs up for the "billion star hotel" joke! Ha ha ha!
You've gotten me trained to have bins ready to go for camping & road trips, so I don't forget things near as often as I used to. Thanks!! Also, I think Nick should either do a video or write a book on his time living in his car as a photographer. So cool!
I'm so happy that the bins are working for you!! Nick lived out of his car for years. He has so many great stories and experiences. I've actually learned a lot from him!
Thank you so so so much. My best friend and I are planning a road trip to Washington DC. Once we are 18 and out of high school (four years) we will be going on the trip. We are paying for the whole trip ourselves, so we have begun planning. Thank you again for these *extremely* helpful tips :)
We forgot sleeping pads. My husband drove home to get them, it was 2 hours one way 🙄 but... we did have a wonderful 2 night stay after that. It was our daughters first camping and she loved it, so did we.
I'm so glad you ended up having a great trip! The silver lining is that once you forget an essential like sleeping pads, or in my case sleeping bags, you'll probably never do it again! Thanks for watching 😁
I love car camping on roadtrips. Whether it is somewhere secluded or in a Walmart or Planet Fitness parking lot, it is always an adventure. My girlfriend and I have done it for years in my Subaru Crosstrek, but we recently bought a Toyota Grand Highlander, because it was the perfect mix of being extrenely roomy in the back and having great mileage (the hybrid option wasn't much more expensive and we get about 35mpg, which is pretty great for a larger SUV). I really love how spontaneous you can be while car camping. Neither of us like planning ahead much, so we can drive until we are tired and then find a place to crash for the night without having deadlines or reservations.
Cool tips. My tip is to use a check list for preparing towards a road trip/camping, this way you will not forget anything and avoid unplanned shopping at/near the camping site, in addition while using a check list you will avoid packing unnecessary stuff that will only increase the fuel consumption of the car. I also recommend to people that tarvel/camping a lot to get a car with economic fuel consumption, a hybrid for example.
I am a huge coffee addict. Couple tips I've learned is...1. A plug in mug can warm water fast for a nice cup of coffee 2. Save more money then buying those instant tubes by making your own (instant coffee mixed with your preferred amount of sugar/powder creamer, put in baggie and seal off each individual serving either with a vacuum sealer or hot knife, or use a container. 3. Invest in a usb or car plug kettle!
I pre-cook (pressure cooker) and store meals in my my Freezer(s) while I'm at a park where I can use their electricity (not mine or my gas). I do this for each main leg. I book these parks in advance with weeks in-between free-camping on my way to them and my destination. That way my laundry gets done at the park, my batteries get recharged, etc, water tanks filled, small maintenance jobs, etc. I like the tips about the water bottle, never thought of that. But I do the snacks for sure. I even make my own snacks (eg: protein bars, peanut brittle, etc).
On the last day on a week long road trip of Montana, the Dakotas, and Wyoming. My biggest tip is stock up on audiobooks/podcasts that don’t need Wi-Fi because when it’s endless nothing for forever. Those can make the endless nothing bearable
Great tips, thank you! Along the tail winds idea, drafting (driving behind) big trucks cuts your wind resistance and saves gas money. Setting cruise control can be helpful too if you otherwise get a lead foot in the tedium of a long drive. Those gas price apps do really help, there’s usually at least a 60;cent difference between stations in my area. Crossing state lines can make a big difference in prices. Carrying cash helps as, at least in the northeast, many stations knock 10 cents off if you’re paying cash. If you feel ok safety wise, carrying a Gerry can and loading up with the cheap gas can prevent you from being stranded in a remote area with no stations or only crazily expensive options. And then you have fuel for if you want to bring a generator for off grid camping.
Lol you wouldn’t think you would forget a sleeping bag but I did the same thing 🤦🏻♀️ I had a fleece blanket in the car and it was 90 (even at night) so we survived. I definitely learned the “don’t pack in a rush” lesson. Got lucky
Always love you guy’s videos, they get me stoked for whatever trip I’m prepping for the family. I love the all-camping road trip, it can definitely save you a bunch of money, but if you have finite time for an adventure, strategic use of hotel/motel stays can allow you to maximize travel on travel days to and from a destination region adding more time for adventure and recreation when you get there. If you have the time, then yes, definitely meander and camp the whole way.
For our camping trips, my wife keeps a list of everything we need, and we stage our camping gear/supplies in a specific location in our home as we're getting ready. Then, as we pack, we review the list to make sure we haven't forgotten anything. But many of the things on the list, and our habit of double-checking that we have everything on the list, came the hard way.
I went on a trip one time and forgot my shoes and underwear. I had my flip flops on when we left so I didn't think about my tennis shoes and I guess I didn't think I would need underwear. Had to buy both items.
Hot water @ gas stations for oatmeal or instant coffee?? Genius!!! Soemthing that I do is when I get in my car, I just think about the essential items I need, do I have my tent? My tennis shoes? My dinner meals? Everything else I could get by without if I forgot it.
We bring a gallon of water per day of travel. Haven't come across the instant coffee approach - will be adding that to our road trip list, as java is our personal road trip fuel. Good tip! We also have a checklist that we've developed that is helpful to refer to the day before a road trip to make sure we have our personal must have items all good to go.
A million star hotel. I see what you did there... Awesome!! ⭐ Don't forget trash bags for your car road trips. Even just a couple of plastic store bags for your snack wrappers or empty yogurt cups. After a while, the smells can be brutal.
There’s usually less wind during the night hours, too. Driving a couple hours earlier/later can save some gas, and not have you waiting weeks in Kansas for a tailwind.
heres my tips to save money on a road 1 make sure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition no leaks fluids fresh air filter clean tires not excessively worn and properly inflated 5 to 7 lbs extra air will also save you gas which equates to money saved ride with the windows up and the ac off avoid using luggage racks on top of a vehicle thats wind resistance utilize the interstate highway system done smartly drafting off a big truck saves fuel too have a basic tool kit with you avoid eating out along the way things like hotdogs bologna chips cookies and soda pop are way cheaper than restauraunts and or convienence stores take turns driving and sleep while the other is driving then you can prolong the inevitable motel or hotel room the kids will fall asleep in the back avoid stop and go traffic and rush hour traffic stop for fuel at a quarter tank or more along our interstates there are quite a few rip offishly high gas stations you want to have enough fuel to drive to another gas station if the prices are at ripoff levels about mementos of your trip remember theyre just things that your most likely going to shove into a box and forget about throw away or sell in a yardsale so dont pay to much lastly why do a long road trip why not a daytrip or even an overnighter to something not hundreds of miles away its cheaper and easier on your vehicle and yourself those are my tips for saving money hope yall enjoy your trip
Like the coffee ☕️ one. I hadn’t thought of that. I like to really pay attention to how much of a product I use for “X” amount of days before a trip so I pack less. Less wasted space, lighter car = less gas, more room for comfort and more room for the other essentials.
wow i’ve been watching your videos to prepare for my road trip to utah from houston texans for my birthday. this video couldn’t have come at a better time. i’m so excited! going to grand canyon, bryce, zion, antelope canyon 😃😃
Would be cool if you did a video for a minimal camping trip. Like thr least amount of gear and food that is hardy and good. But doesnt require ice and a cooler chest Really good tip you suggested. Pack when you are relaxed
You bring up hot water a lot there are several things you can get that plug into The 12 V sources on your car such as baby bottle warmers or even coffee pots that will run off of 12 V
Regarding #7 -- Make a list! If you take similar trips regularly, make the list on your computer and update it for the length of the trip (in my case, the gear packed for a 4-day fishing trip is essentially the same as a 7-day trip, except for the quantities of clothes, food, meds, etc). Start perusing the list at your leisure, so you're more likely to think of any things that need to be added. Check things off the list as you pack them, then as you are loading the car. For example, my list will show everything going in my duffel, my backpack, a storage bin, a tackle bag, then the bottom of the list will have the duffel, backpack, storage bin and tackle bag listed to check off as they go to the car. If you have enough room where you live, assemble all the packed items in only one or two spots, like a corner of the living room and the garage, so it is obvious what is going in the car and it's harder to leave something behind. Lastly, I like to have a to-do list of tasks in chronological order, so I know what I can start packing a week before, what I need to get done the day before, and what needs to be done just before leaving (like packing a cooler, or my daily meds).
great tips! I recommend an ice pack inside of your cooler if you're one like me who likes to use the ice in the bag, also lay bag instead of emptying. also if you have room I recommend a pitcher with a filter
I drink tea , not coffee.. but if I am traveling , I used to get coffee and it is in fact expensive like you mentioned .. I now bought a nice thermos from Costco, that keeps liquids hot for 12 hours.. I make tea at home , and I have it whenever I want .. it so so nice to see someone who thinks of saving money 💰 during travel .. I love love all your videos❤️you are the most simple and humble person I have come across. Thank you for all the information. It’s helps a lot of us who like camping but are still newbies 😃
@@amanda.outside Amanda.. if you happen to travel to Phoenix, we would love to meet you. I would love to make some Chai ☕️ for you . I see you love cooking , would like to share some quick trip snacks recipes as well😃
It touched on the most important thing..Deciding to travel look at the least expensive. Thats how I traveled in Texas when I lived there I looked up the state parks and looked at who had camping..I still do here now in Virginia.Thank you for the tips. Awesome
I've spent years road tripping around Utah finding camping and parks to visit! It's so much fun! I got a state park pass this year and I'm slowly trying to visit them all. Glad you enjoyed the video 😁
Great tips Amanda. I love my insulated tumbler and big mug.Never had a issue getting free Hot water at C-stores and Boom instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a meal like ramen or good broth, oatmeal with fruit.
These are great tips and your channel is informative. It would be good to see some more eco friendly tips, like the one about not buying plastic bottles of water all the time. Taking a jar of coffee rather than the individual sachets is better as there is less waste.
When it comes to snacks , it's important to shop at a dollar store you do save a lot of money.with bottle water who wants to pay $3 for a bottle of water when you can get a case to travel with,I enjoyed your video 🙂
KOAs are cheaper than hotels but have many amenities, u can rent small cabin fer 35-65 dollars ..bring yer own linens, coffee pot etc..they have microwaves
I have a Prius that I go on solo road trips with. The gas mileage is great, that is, it would be great but I have to drive with the windows down so I kinda screw myself there. Totally worth it though lol
My bf and I are going to NB and P.E.I this summer for 2 weeks. We have an electric car so we are saving money but one downside is we are constantly stopping to find car chargers. When its windy the car uses more energy because we are driving against the wind. I am so excited as this will be my first time visiting other provinces other than Ontario where I am from and Québec where I now live. We are camping some nights and some we are staying in hotels because we will be going with our 1 year old dog and we haven't really done much camping with him. Also to give us a break from setting up the tent and the bugs lol
Thank you! I'm definitely going to use these tips thi summer on my 4 week national park/ camping road trip. Reservations are already made, now i just have to find a good tail wind LOL
What kind if instant coffee packets did you use in this video. I haven't been able to find a good tasting, strong coffee to make without a perk or machine. Just curious what brand of coffee do you normally use. Great videos, keep them coming!!
I'm so glad you liked that! Originally I was just going to sit in one spot and film it, but then I thought it would be way more fun and interesting to watch if I made it more of a journey. It did take us forever to get home that day because we had to stop so many times 😂 Thanks for watching!
Greetings from Brazil! I try to avoid holidays, when there's more traffic and all things are pricier... Ok, I hate crowded places, but I save some money traveling while they're working! LOL.
I actually do not mind buying duplicates or even more of one particular item that I might have forgotten. Because if you buy it from a major retailer, then you can always return it at the end of your road trip. So if you bought the sleeping bag I would've just returned it after using it. Like it's almost like renting it, ha ha ha. It may affect you economically at that given time, but in the end, to get your money back. If you return it, just make sure you keep the receipts or you only get store credit.
Hello Amanda, do you have to have a membership card to stay at a billion star hotel? LOL! Nice savings tips! Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
make a list of the things you're packing. check the list as you check your things. mark it. i like masking tape. i still have some things to check, but i know what i already did check because i stuck a note directly on it with the date. take your time, and when you go back you can see that "oh yeah, i got that".
Any advice for the spur of the moment kinda peeps? I find the adventure is in the making things up on the way. If I am like this and don't make reservations, where do I camp? Thx
I bring my own snacks and stuff, but I noticed I have to stop and buy something to pee anyway, so I only pack drinks for emergencies, or states with notoriously bad quality water.
