Cheapest Way to Travel Cross Country With Family

Introduction

Traveling with family is an incredible experience, but it can also be expensive, especially when it comes to cross-country trips. However, with some planning and creativity, you can make it affordable without sacrificing the quality of your trip. As someone who loves traveling with my family, I’ve tried and tested various methods to find the cheapest way to travel cross country. In this article, I’ll share my experiences, tips, and tricks with you.

Interesting Facts and Figures

• The average cost of a family vacation in the US is $4,580.
• A family of four can save up to $1,000 by traveling by car instead of flying.
• The most popular cross-country route is from New York City to Los Angeles, covering a distance of approximately 2,800 miles.

Traveling by Car

Traveling by car is arguably the cheapest way to travel cross country with family. You have the flexibility to stop wherever you want, pack as much as you need, and avoid the costs of airfare and rental cars. Here are some tips to make your road trip affordable:

• Plan your route and stops in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Bring your own food and drinks instead of eating out on the road.
• Consider camping instead of staying in hotels.
• Use gas price apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations.
• Bring a cooler and stock up at grocery stores instead of convenience stores.

My family and I have traveled cross country by car multiple times, and it has always been a fun and affordable option for us. We usually bring a camping tent, a portable stove, and a cooler full of food and drinks. Not only does it save us money, but it also allows us to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Traveling by RV

Traveling by RV can be more expensive than traveling by car, but it can also provide a unique and comfortable experience for your family. If you’re considering renting or buying an RV, here are some tips:

• Rent an RV during the off-season to save money.
• Compare rental prices and features from different companies.
• Bring your own bedding and supplies to avoid extra fees.
• Use RV parks and campgrounds instead of hotels.
• Consider boondocking or dry camping to save on camping fees.

Although I haven’t personally traveled cross country by RV, I’ve talked to many families who have and they all agree that it’s a comfortable and convenient way to travel. It can also be a great way to bond with your family and enjoy the outdoors.

Traveling by Train

Traveling by train can be a relaxing and affordable way to see the country. Amtrak offers several long-distance routes that allow you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Here are some tips to make your train trip affordable:

• Book your tickets in advance to get the best prices.
• Check for discounts such as AAA, military, or student discounts.
• Bring your own food and drinks to avoid high prices on the train.
• Consider traveling during the off-season or mid-week to save money.
• Choose coach instead of sleeping cars to save on accommodation costs.

While I haven’t personally traveled cross country by train, I’ve heard great things about the experience. It can be a great way to relax and enjoy the journey while saving money on transportation and accommodation.

Conclusion

Traveling cross country with family doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right mode of transportation and being creative with your budget, you can make it an affordable and memorable experience for everyone. Whether you prefer traveling by car, RV, or train, the key is to plan ahead and make the most out of your trip.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to travel cross country with family?

The cheapest way to travel cross country with family is by car. You have the flexibility to stop wherever you want, pack as much as you need, and avoid the costs of airfare and rental cars.

Is traveling by RV cheaper than traveling by car?

Traveling by RV can be more expensive than traveling by car, but it can also provide a unique and comfortable experience for your family. It depends on your budget and preferences.

Is it cheaper to fly or drive cross country with family?

Driving is usually cheaper than flying, especially if you have a large family. You can save money on airfare, rental cars, and transportation to and from the airport.

Can you save money by camping instead of staying in hotels?

Yes, camping can be a cheaper alternative to staying in hotels. You can bring your own camping gear and food, and enjoy the outdoors while saving money on accommodation.

Are there any discounts for train travel?

Yes, Amtrak offers various discounts such as AAA, military, or student discounts. You can also book your tickets in advance to get the best prices.