As a couple, it’s important to go out and enjoy life, even if you have to think about finance and budgeting. One great way to do this is by taking a road trip. This way you can spend time together, see larger parts of the country, and enjoy an extended vacation. However, while a road trip is more budget-friendly than taking a plane to a vacation spot, there are expenses that you should expect and expenses that can come up unexpectedly. So, there are a few things to be aware of before taking that road trip.
Be Prepared to Pay for Gas and Oil
The biggest cost you will likely run into on a road trip is the cost of the gas and oil that you put into your car and remembering to do both is key. Running out of gas on the highway could ruin your trip, while an issue with the oil can destroy your car. In fact, replacing the oil is even considered a repair to your car. Replacing the oil, air filter, and wiper blades are the three most common repairs done to cars in 2017. So, be ready for the expense of maintaining your car while on the trip so that the trip goes off without an issue.
Be Prepared for an Accident
If you’re lucky, you won’t have an accident on the road. The thing is, even if you’re the best driver in the world, there is a chance that you get into a car accident. Other drivers aren’t always as safe as you are and bad weather can make roads difficult to navigate. When accidents do happen, there are a lot of financial fallouts from them. For one, there is the cost of repairing your vehicle. Furthermore, with more than three million people being injured in car accidents, you can expect medical bills to pay. You also need to consider that insurance will go up. So, avoid an accident if possible, but be prepared for the worst.
Think About Your Health While on the Trip
While you’re away from home, you are liable to run into health issues. For someone who has allergies, for instance, being caught on a trip with an emergency can be deadly. That’s before you consider the common issues people run into, like a trip and fall or another medical emergency. The issue is that so few people are prepared for these emergencies financially, and in the worst case of death, even fewer people are prepared, as only forty percent of Americans have a will. So, when you’re budgeting, continue to prepare for all possible issues.
You Need to Pay To Eat Out
One of the most expensive parts of a long road trip is that you’re going to need to eat out for all of your meals and snacks. This can get expensive and unhealthy fast, so it’s something to be considerate of before you go. After all, one of the best ways to save money at home is by cutting restaurants from your diet and cooking at home. So, bring food in a cooler from home on your road trip, like sandwiches, to save money on the road. This way you don’t have to constantly eat out. It will also help speed up your trip, as you won’t have to stop for food as often.
As a couple, you will find that taking a road trip together is a romantic way to take a vacation and make memories for life. Just be prepared to protect your budget when doing so and avoid potential disasters on the road.
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