Summer Road Trip: 4 Things You Should Never Pay for While RVing

 

Let's be honest, traveling can really squeeze a budget dry. Whether you've spent years saving to live out that RV lifestyle or you're on a summer road trip with the family, no one is upset about having a little more money in their bank. And isn't that the whole point of RV living? To slow down, relax and take in the scenery without major worries? Today we're bringing you our top four tips on how to save while RVing. Some of these ideas might sound a little foreign to you at first, but we promise as soon as you make them apart of your everyday living, you'll see the monetary benefits right away.

 


Photography: @hydroflask

RV SAVINGS RULE #1: DON'T BUY WATER
Sounds impossible right? If you're an avid National Park or State Park visitor, this is hardly the case. Every park has filling stations which assists visitors in staying hydrated and reducing single use plastic. Bring your reusable canteens as well as ten gallon jugs and refill at every station. If you plan on boondocking, fill up your containers at gas stations. You'll save a fortune on paying for water and you'll help the planet, win win.

 


Photography: @kristen_blanton

RV SAVINGS RULE #2: BUY A NATIONAL PARKS PASS
While we're on the topic of National Parks, did you know that one annual National Parks pass is only $80/year and U.S. citizens over 62 can buy a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80? That means no more $35 entry fees to The Grand Canyon or any other national park! With this pass, you can come and go as you please for an entire 12 month period. This has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the year. And that's not even the best part. There are spaces for two names on the pass, so you're really only spending $40 if you and a friend share it. It's a great option for those wanting to see the natural wonders of our country on a tight budget.

 


Photography: @divineontheroad

RV SAVINGS RULE #3: USE YOUR PHONE AS A HOTSPOT
This is a great option if you're working from your RV but don't want to pay for extra wifi or deal with the spotty service. All you have to do is turn on the hotspot option in 'settings' on your phone and you're ready to work. This is a great way to use the internet while driving down the road.

 

Photography: @helloamerica[/caption]

RV SAVINGS RULE #4: DON'T PAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Here's the joy about travel, the land is your entertainer! If you're trying to keep expenses down, google 'free entertainment' at your destination. Big cities often feature some sort of free concert, movie on the lawn or if you're on the coast, bringing your friends and family to the beach is an excellent way to stay entertained all day. Check out our round up of 2019 Summer Events and Rallies and if you're looking for RV events and check out our list of must-read books this summer!

Do you have any tips or tricks on how to save when RVing? Leave us a comment in the section below for a chance to be featured on our La Mesa RV Instagram. If you're looking for more budget travel posts, check out our interview with Barry Good Times: A Family of Five Living on the Road.