When I first hit the road, I was so excited to finally be out there that I wasn’t too concerned with ways of saving and being smart with money. I had saved up for so long and it felt like most vacations do… time to spend a little! But this is no vacation; it’s life now. After a couple weeks, I realized this and immediately got back into the good habit of doing research for a few minutes each day to save where I could and not blow through the result of all my hard work. You learn a lot doing a little research but you learn even more by talking to people who have been on the road a long time. They know all the tricks of the trade. These are some of the biggest tips I have come across that save me great money while traveling! I still encourage you once you’re out there to mingle with the experts because there is always more to learn.
WATER TANK REFILLS
There are lots of ways to get your water for your fresh tank or even shower tank. The most expensive but probably an option if all else fails is to go to an RV Park that charges $15 or so for the night and fill up there. They always have fill ups. But these are the much cheaper options for your tanks and water bottles that I recommend trying first:
- Glacier water (click here) has a website you can search for the nearest fill up. Typically outside of a grocery store, they only charge about .30 cents per gallon. Locations are everywhere.
- Cabela's is an outdoor store that has locations across the US. They usually have RV spaces somewhere in the lot with potable water that cost a $5 flat rate for any amount.
- It is worth looking up Dump Stations in your area. Sometimes you can find one for $5 and you can dump your waste tank here too.
- Fill up your water bottles at the gym. I fill up two water bottles every day that I go to the gym.
- If you eat out at a casual place that has a soda machine, fill up your water bottle. You're spending money there so it isn't "stealing". If you aren't sure about it, ask first. I've never had a place say no.
GAS
I wish I would’ve known about this one sooner! You know those huge light up gas station signs along major highways? They’re almost always way more expensive than a local gas station maybe 2 miles farther off the highway. For 5 extra minutes, I have saved a dollar per gallon so may times. When you’re driving a lot, this honestly saves you tons. Download Gasbuddy which is the apps I use every single time I need gas. Also, sign up for various reward programs at gas stations that you use often. I usually get my coffee and snacks for free because I have saved up points over time.
GROCERIES
I can’t be the only one who has tried mastering the extreme couponing skill and failed after about 10 minutes because it’s just too confusing..? Or maybe I am. But anyways, I have figured out a few tricks through my attempts that will save you money on your weekly grocery trips. Ibotta is a good friend of mine. It’s an app that has quite a few grocery stores on it and you can look through all the stuff on sale that isn’t on sale in the store. It basically pays you back after shopping and scanning your receipt. It also does a lot of sign up incentives. I made my family sign up when I was home and it paid me $30 the next day. It gets transferred directly to your bank!
Along with Ibotta, I have a Target card that saves me 5% with every single trip. I simply pay with the card instead of my actual credit card and you save the money. Super easy. If you love Target as much as I do, also download Cartwheel which is basically Ibotta for Target (Ibotta also includes Target so I recommend combining all 3 methods).
Lastly, sign up for rewards programs and pick up the ugly coupon papers on your way in or out of the store. These things seriously add up and can prolong your savings way longer over time.
ACTIVITIES
If you want to save money on activities, find free things to do in the city you’re in. There is always free hiking or a park to go to that will allow you to experience a city without spending a dime.
BUT if you really want to go somewhere that can be a little more money than you want to spend for the day, there are companies such as Amusement Advantage that you can work for, and they reimburse your activity in full! I’ve actually found that the top attractions in most cities are listed on there to attend. Sometimes, they even offer extra money for going to certain locations so you don’t just go for free, but you get paid for going. I have a few van friends that do this all the time and have gone on free safaris, zoos, and other places that can sometimes be pretty pricey. Definitely worth looking into if you love experiencing all parts of a city like myself.
