How to go on a thrifty roadie
Seasoned travellers, who've gone a long way on a shoestring, give their tips for a low-cost holiday.
Planning a road trip – everything from snacks to fuel stops – may seem like a burden but there are ways to smooth out the process.
Instead of having a grand plan for an exotic trip, RNZ podcast Thrift host Katy Gosset asked a few well-versed travellers among her friends and family how a smaller-budget travel experience could be just as fulfilling.
Do you actually need to take a car everywhere on your roadie? (File image)
Unsplash / Getty Images
How are you getting around?
Once you’ve laid out your plan, figure out an efficient route and consider a fuel app that might give you an idea of the cheapest spots to fill up.
You don't have to use a car either – consider cycling or renting a car for just the time you need private transportation or even carpool.
On the Otago Peninsula, John and Bridget Davidson have been on all sorts of cycling adventures, starting when their children were just one and three years old. Once their kids were old enough to pedal, they bought tandem bikes.
Accommodation
You don't have to splurge on hotels and motels - think outside the box. (file image)
Unsplash / Scott Goodwill
Campervan parks and Department of Conservation campsites could offer suitable budget-friendly options.
For the Davidsons, teaching the kids to sleep on the ground is the thriftiest way they’ve travelled. You'll need the initial setup cost for a tent, sleeping bag, and other gear, but you're then free to travel widely on a minimal budget.
There are also organisations like Warm Showers where other cyclists will host you in their own homes.
Meeting a host can also happen organically in passing, but you have to be able to trust people in this situation, the Davidsons say.
“Complete strangers would approach us because it [tandem bikes road trip with kids] was a novelty factor," Bridget says.
From left John Davidson, with son, Hugh, and Bridget Davidson.
RNZ / Katy Gosset
Food
Balance out easy sandwich fillings with a few low-cost treats.
South Canterbury mum of three Mathilde O'Sullivan says she brings snacks like chips and sandwiches from home. For the occasional treat, she stops at a supermarket for a whole box of icecreams instead of a fuel station.
The Davidsons were strategic for meals, mastering one-pot dishes that could be eaten for days.
“Learn how to cook good meals on a gas cooker before you even leave," John says.
Prepping snacks for the long ride is standard, but if you want the occasional treat from outside, try the supermarket or less urban shops. (File image)
Unsplash / Andrej Lisakov
Eating brunch could keep you filled up for the rest of the day too.
“It does set you up to do a big distance in the afternoon and we learned that you could buy cooked chickens and have them for lunch, and then we wouldn't eat much for dinner," Bridget says.
Sitting on the side of the road with a jam sandwich was “pretty cool way” to have lunch, John says.
If you need to eat out, look for out-of-city options that may be cheaper.
How to not annoy your host
Nicky Porter, Gosset’s sister-in-law, says it’s more relaxing to stay with people you're familiar with – plus it saves on costs.
But don't outstay your welcome, make your own plans to give them space, Porter says. Shout your hosts to thank them and help with cleaning up.
If you're travelling with friends, think about how you can share food and petrol costs.
