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.

Things to note

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 (RACQI) and arranged by RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO)). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.

Any advice provided by RDS and RACQO is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a purchase decision on the product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.

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 Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803, AR No.432492) (RACQ) are authorised representatives of the RACQ Travel Insurance insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine). Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine, and administers RACQ Travel Insurance as the managing agent on behalf of Tokio Marine. Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Any advice is general advice only, and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase, please consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs) available at racq.com or on request from RACQ.