How to Plan a Mini Road Trip on a Student Budget
Hidden gems in Ontario for a quick student travel adventure!
A great way to make memories with your friends is to go on a mini road trip!
With reading week coming up, you might be thinking about the best way to spend your week off from classes. Aside from studying (of course!), it’s also an opportunity to spend time with your friends. A great way to make memories with your friends is to go on a mini road trip! Now, as college students, we don’t have the largest budgets to spend on travel. However, there are a few ways to plan a great trip that’s easy on your pockets. Here’s a guide to plan the best road trip:
Choose your adventure
First, you and your friends should think about where you want to go. Staying close by is ideal so that you can maximize the time you have (and avoid spending the entire trip driving). Luckily for us, Ontario has some great hidden gems! One of my favourite places to go when I want to venture out of the GTA is Georgian Bay. There are so many cool towns like Wasaga Beach and The Blue Mountains, the latter being one of my favourites. You can also choose somewhere close by and make a day of it!
Remember to take a lot of photos! These will become the memories you look back on to reminisce about college times.
Plan, plan, plan!
Now that you’ve chosen your destination, create an itinerary or look up for one online. Not having a plan is an easy way to rack up surprise expenses, which is definitely not something you want. I personally like to create a guide whenever I travel so that I can make the most of my trip and have an idea of what I want to do. This is where you can also look up free or inexpensive activities ahead that you can do once you reach your destination. With a little research, you can also find some unique spots that you would otherwise pass by. By doing this, you also won’t run out of things to do on your trip.
Bring some snacks, save money
With a little research, you can also find some unique spots that you would otherwise pass by.
Now it’s time to go! Make sure to make the most of your student discounts, grab a bite from any SSU perk partner before hitting the road and pack all your favourite snacks. There’s nothing more devastating than unnecessarily parting with your money when you could have had your favourite foods on hand. Write a list of snacks you want to bring along and resist the temptation of buying more expensive food on your way.
Split the costs
Another essential part to consider is to have everyone pitch in; splitting costs will reduce the financial burden on you. You can either divide all the costs evenly, or you can have each person cover something different. After each trip, my friends and I add up everything we spend and cover the difference for those who contribute more. That way, everyone’s happy and friendships stay intact! If you’re staying overnight, this part is essential. Note that you can save even more if you plan your trip outside of peak seasons. Take advantage of this and enjoy a destination that’s less expensive and not as busy.
Document everything!
Create a competition to see who can strike the best pose at a landmark.
Remember to take a lot of photos! These will become the memories you look back on to reminisce about the adventures you had at this special stage of your life. You can make an activity out of it too! Create a competition to see who can strike the best pose at a landmark or take the best photos of the view on the road. There will never be a dull moment!
Don’t forget the extras
A few honourable mentions of things to remember; bring cards/board games, film or digial cameras, your favourite book or e-reader, and never forget to bring a charger and portable battery (nobody needs a dead phone on the road), fill your gas tank, and make sure to take turns driving.
The most important part is to enjoy yourself! This is your time to relax and worry less about everything. Planning a road trip can take time and a lot of problem-solving, but it should be an exciting adventure to go on! Even if you’re travelling alone or with family, the journey is just as important as the destination, and your trip can be even better with these cost-saving tips. So, buckle up, enjoy the ride, and make the most of your road trip!
Want to keep on saving? Check out our SSU Perk Partners!
If you're looking for more ways to save money during your student year, be sure to take advantage of the exclusive discounts available to Sheridan students! You can save on retailers, food, health clinics, and more!