How to avoid unexpected road trip expenses

Sam Marsh31/07/2018

A road trip is a great way to see the country but if you don’t plan, you can drain your budget with unexpected expenses.

The best way to avoid surprises on your road trip is to plan your expenses before you leave. Make a quick checklist of what you need to budget for and where you’ll be spending your money.

Checklist:

Fuel

Fuel prices can vary in different cities so make sure that you allow some extra money to fill up your tank.

Breakdowns

To avoid car service charges, check all fluids under your bonnet. Make sure all tyres have enough tread and are filled to the correct pressure, including the spare. Check hoses and belts for leaks or cracks and replace any that look worn. If you are not a member of RACQ, join before you leave home. Pack an emergency kit of jumper leads, a reflective safety triangle, torch, tyre pump and a first-aid kit.

Food and drink

Save money by making your own snacks and packing them for daily consumption, rather than in bulk. This reduces your expenses on impulse buys full of calories at the service station.

Plan your route

Plan your route before you depart. Use a GPS system to avoid getting lost or driving the longest routes and wasting fuel. If you’re planning to stay in motels or hotels, book in advance. If you plan to visit attractions that charge fees, check online before you leave. You can often get discount entry tickets by booking online in advance.

Accidents

Make sure you are full covered for insurance before you leave. RACQ provides car insurance for all cars and motorcycles registered in Queensland against loss and damage.

Get peace of mind before you next road trip with Roadside Assistance.

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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.