Money-Saving Tips for Thanksgiving Road Trips

Thanksgiving's the busiest travel holiday of the year. With many of our readers getting ready to hit the road tomorrow, I thought a quick review of some budget-friendly tips would helpful. Thankfully our wallets are getting some relief at the pump this holiday season with gas prices in the low $2 range (compared to over $4 around Fourth of July weekend!). Even though gas prices are down, it's still important to try to save money all around on your traveling expenses so you aren't left with a big dent in your budget, especially with Christmas right around the corner!

Planning ahead is the key to saving money on your Thanksgiving travel. The biggest cost for most holiday travelers is fuel. Before you leave home, be sure to do a quick check on gasbuddy.com to see if the gas prices along your route will be cheaper than in your home town. If so, you might save a few bucks by leaving your home with a half tank of gas and filling it up along the way.

The cost of food is another big expense when traveling. Consider packing a picnic basket or cooler full of sandwiches, fruit, snacks and beverages to avoid having to make pricey stops at convenience stores or restaurants along the way. If you are going to eat out consider stopping by a mom-and-pop type restaurant to get the most value for your money. Some places have early-bird or dinner specials designed especially for travelers. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Food Network show "Guy's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" and want to try some of the places on his list next time I go on a road trip.

It's also a good idea to prepare your car for travel before you leave. Check that the tires are properly inflated, the oil is changed and you have enough windshield wiper fluid among other precautions. The last thing you want to do is incur costly repairs along the way and ruin your holiday. A properly maintained car will also make sure you get the most gas mileage for your money.

Also, be sure to check the weather before you leave so you can pack appropriately. Happy Thanksgiving—have a safe and fun-filled holiday!