9 Simple Ways To Travel With Family On A Budget

Looking to hit the road this holiday season while keeping your wallet happy? Speedway's got what you need.

1. Uh, make sure the car works.

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Yes, it sounds obvious! But hear us out! If you wanna travel anywhere with your family, you need a car. If you're looking to travel on a budget, making sure your car is road-ready is a priority. The last thing you want is to run into an issue with your car, because then you're looking at hundreds of dollars for a repair. Not to mention, a trip to the repair shop isn't exactly a fun activity for the family.

2. Be ready to go with the flow.

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This needs to be said: A huge part of stress-free traveling with your family in November and December is being flexible. You're bound to run into bumps on the way, especially if you're traveling with family during the holiday season. In addition to flexibility helping your peace of mind, if you allow some additional time around travel dates and times, you can sometimes find lower fares and accommodation prices.

3. Keep an eye out for free activities!

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If you're celebrating the holidays away from home and make a pit stop at a city along the way, it's pretty much a guarantee that you'll find at least one free activity. Do some research online, or simply wander around to see if you can visit a free museum, a festival, or a market!

4. Take advantage of family discounts.

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Traveling with a big family? Look into group savings! Many attractions, activities, and resorts around the country have deals specifically for large families.

5. Sleep under the stars!

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Does your family like staying outdoors? Are you traveling in a warm-weather area? Many state parks offer clean and safe campsites. Skip the hotel or motel and set up tents and a sleeping bag. Camping opens up the door for many camping-related family activities, plus it's often cheaper than a motel. Don't forget the s'mores!

6. Playgrounds rule!

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Don't just drive past the playgrounds. You may be old now, but remember how frickin' exciting playgrounds were when you were younger? Your kids love 'em too. They're free! They're fun! And if you're tired from the drive, there's probably a bench on the playground calling your name.

7. Give the kids a budget for souvenirs.

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Special mementos from attractions can really add up if you've got multiple stops planned for your trip. A good idea is to give the kids a predetermined budget for souvenirs.

8. Stock up on food and drinks.

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Long drives with kids means someone is bound to get hungry on the road. Load up the car with plenty of snacks and drinks. Buy in bulk at the gas station, and then load up the snacks in the car so that the kids can grab them easily when they're hungry. Don't forget a thermos to keep those drinks warm!

9. BYOC (caffeine).

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All of those pit stops at the fancy coffee shops, where two large coffees can cost over $10, add up quickly. Grab a coffee from the gas station while you refuel.

No matter what type of trip you're taking this holiday season, your wallet will thank you for stopping at the Convenience Stores of Speedway. You won't just be refueling the car — with Speedway's premium roasted coffee, you get to fill up your own tank, too.

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