If you want to make the most of your annual RVing budget, then shaving a little off the top of each trip is the way to go. That way, you can then fit another RV camping trip (or two!) into your schedule without breaking the bank. To get started, use these ideas to save money on your next RV adventure before you hit the road.
Plan Your Trips During the Shoulder Season
The peak camping season runs from June through August, while the off-season extends from November through March. In between those periods is the shoulder season, which offers a prime camping experience without all the crowds.
Since not as many people travel during that time, campground tend to drop their prices to fill up their campgrounds as much as possible. This allows you to secure prime spots at a discount rate and without having to book extra early to avoid competition.
Research Like Mad for Free Attractions
Attending events and other attractions can eat up a lot of your camping budget, leaving little left over for future trips. To experience all that the area has to offer without spending every last dime, research free attractions well before going on your trip.
During your research, you might find museums, zoos, and galleries offering free entry on certain days. Or you could come across concerts, theatre shows, and other events held in public parks without any admission fees. Jot down what you find to have a list of fun events to attend when you have a lull in your itinerary.
Strategically Reduce Your Fuel Expenses
If your RV is anything like the rest, it likely gets 23 to 39 litres per 100 kilometres, quickly consuming a good portion of your travel budget. To keep more of that money in your pocket, you just have to make strategic moves that help reduce your fuel expenses, such as:
- Complete regular tune-ups to maximize efficiency
- Check your tire pressure and adjust to the proper level
- Choose routes without steep hills whenever possible
- Accelerate slowly and start to slow down early
- Use cruise control to drive at the speed limit
In addition, pack lightly as all those extra pounds can increase the amount of gas it takes to move your RV. When you take these steps, you can improve fuel efficiency enough to noticeably decrease the amount you spend on gas each trip.
Bring Along Convenient Food and Drinks
If you thought admissions fees and gas cost a lot, then you definitely do not want to add up what you spend eating out while on the road. Even while eating on a budget, restaurants cost about $10 to $25 per meal, adding up to hundreds of dollars by the end of your trip.
To skip that expense, pack convenient food and drinks to enjoy during the drive and upon arriving at the campsite. Cut up vegetables, wash fruit, and slice cheese, for example, then seal in small bags using a vacuum sealer for grab and go snacks.
Also, consider creating a meal plan to figure out what you will enjoy for each breakfast, lunch, and dinner well before hunger strikes. Then, prep the ingredients ahead of time to simply throw everything together over the grill or on the stove top for quick and easy meals anywhere.
Sign Up for an RV Club for Savings Galore
To save a little bit of money on everything you do, sign up for an RV club, like Explorer RV Club. Through your membership, you can get a discount on everything from campground reservations to emergency roadside assistance. They may even provide discounts on fuel that can help you decrease the expense far below what you can achieve on your own.
Beyond the discounts, you will become an important member of the RV enthusiast family exploring Canada. As you move through your RV adventures, you are sure to rub elbows with other members of this exclusive club. You can then share all your cost-saving ideas with each other while sitting around the campfire or hitting the docks to see what’s biting that evening.
As you look for ways to save money on all your trips, do not forget to make sure you have comprehensive insurance coverage for your RV. You can check by giving us a call at 1-844-929-4768 to discuss your policy.