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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Nannooskeeska on August 05, 2015, 09:45:21 AM

Title: Mustachian road trip?
Post by: Nannooskeeska on August 05, 2015, 09:45:21 AM
Hey all!

My roommate and I will be going on a road trip at the end of this month. We're visiting some of his family in Colorado and will be driving about 2,400 miles total.

What are some ways that we can make this trip as Mustachian as possible? Obviously it's going to cost some money but, being poor college students, we don't want to break the bank. Here are some details about the trip:

Car: My 2000 Buick LeSabre. Not the best car in terms of gas mileage, but it runs well and will be a better option than his Jeep.

Sleeping: We've already booked four different Airbnbs to stay at. The total cost is $251. The other three nights we will be staying with his aunt and uncle for free.

Food: We haven't figured this out yet, but we will most likely be taking a cooler for the road. We will be avoiding fast food as much as possible and will buy food from grocery stores on the way. We will be eating out at some cities but only two or three times if that's feasible.

Activities: We haven't planned any activities yet, and it's most likely going to stay that way. We're going to go with the flow and do things that we see on the way. The one thing we might do that would cost money is take the train up to the top of Pikes Peak. Hiking up would be amazing, but it's not an option... I had knee surgery in June and I'm still recovering.

Do you have any other suggestions for us to save money? I know we could camp along the way instead of Airbnb, but I personally do not find that appealing.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mustachian road trip?
Post by: Slam on August 05, 2015, 12:16:12 PM
Sounds like you got most of your bases covered.  Sucks that you're going to Colorado with a bum knee though.  The list of things to do in CO never ends.  Just make sure to bring two pairs of gloves, because it's the Rockies.
Title: Re: Mustachian road trip?
Post by: snuggler on August 05, 2015, 12:40:56 PM
Bring your own water bottles and fill up at water fountains and at the hotel, to make sure you don't get thirsty and have to buy one at a gas station.

Definitely bring a cooler. I've found that the collapsible ones are particularly useful for road trips.

I've also heard-but haven't tried it myself-that slow cookers are really useful when you want to avoid eating out but aren't staying in the same place each night. There are just so many things you can use them for- warm breakfasts in the mornings, many different recipes for lunch and dinner, and virtually no other cooking utensils required.

Bring "emergency" food. For that moment when you are hangry and would otherwise succumb to the gas station candy aisle. Tasty cashews and fruit usually works best for me.

I've also found that bringing food storage and utensils (forks, spoons, etc.) help me take advantage of hotel/Airbnb freebies and grocery-store food. That way you won't be trying to lick the yogurt out of the carton. I usually bring both plastic bags and a few tupperware, because then you can put anything that is fragile (nectarines, grapes, etc.) in the tupperware without fear of it being crushed by the 6 pack in the cooler :).

Ask your hosts what activities are free in the are you are staying. They will likely have some awesome ideas.

Also ask your hosts where to buy cheap groceries locally.

Depending on your route and your plans you may also want to buy a National Parks pass. That way you have just one upfront fee instead of multiple daily fees.

Make sure to bring appropriate weather gear, so you don't have to buy expensive gas-station umbrellas/ponchos at the last minute.

Think about a thoughtful but cheap gift for the aunt and uncle to thank them for letting you stay with them. For example, many people will appreciate if you make them a delicious home-cooked meal with some special treats (like local beer from your hometown and something they really like for dessert) even more than they would like a fancy night out at a restaurant.