So I am in the beginning stages of planning this Mega Summer Road Trip for 2017.
I haven't even tried to figure out a budget for this Behemoth yet so I'd like to pick the brains of my readers.
Here are the details to help you figure out what you think we should plan on spending for this shindig.
* I've completed the tentative trip route and here is a close up on the area we are frolicking through.....
* We will be traveling for about 28 days total covering about 7000 miles total. A national report notes that in 2017 gas will be at it's high of $2.67 per gal. but should go down over the Summer so I am figuring $2.50 avg. per gal. for this trip. The car we are renting gets 27 city/39 highway and has an 18 gal. gas tank. Who wants to do that math? ;-)
* About that car rental, that is the only "known" amount right now, at a total after taxes and fees of $932.
* We have free lodging for up to 4 of those days so this means we need to pay for 24 nights of lodging. I am looking at an Air BNB option or two once we get to ID, but otherwise it will be one or two night stands along the way. There is one special lodging we might do in WY for 1 night if we can get a reservation when we need it. This one is pricey at $145-$165 per night. Fort Laramie Bed and Breakfast
* How many meals we will need to pay for are unknown right now. Most motel nights stays we will get a free breakfast. While we will eat free at breakfast while at our free lodging(a friend's house), we will most certainly take them out for lunch or dinner at least once. Hubs and I will try to eat one big meal a day(lunch)and just snack or have something light at dinner time or not eat again that day.
* There are admission fees for some of the sights/things we are going to do.......what we know so far(this for both of us)-
Mt. Rushmore--$11
Little Bighorn Battlefield--$20
Pioneer Archway--$24
Distillery Tour-$20
* We do need to purchase a GPS since Hubs no longer has a smartphone.(It's either that or pay $10.95 per day for GPS in the rental car...yikes!) We hope to knock that off the list for $100 or less. Any recommendations by those in the know on which brand/model to purchase is appreciated. 8-)
* Road Tolls-so far we know of one, the Mackinac Bridge in MI, at $4 per crossing. And if we get through IL without paying a toll I'd be shocked! lol
* As far as souvenirs goes...we really don't plan on buying anything as keepsakes. Maybe a postcard or a t-shirt or if I find something that would make an awesome Christmas present for someone I gift to. I am sure Hubs will buy some alcohol of some kind to haul home but I don't plan on doing that.
I guess we need to build a souvenir budget into this plan but I am clueless right now on how much.
So that's what I have so far.
If you have any tips or ideas please send 'em on!
What should our tentative budget be based on all this?
Sluggy
I haven't even tried to figure out a budget for this Behemoth yet so I'd like to pick the brains of my readers.
Here are the details to help you figure out what you think we should plan on spending for this shindig.
* I've completed the tentative trip route and here is a close up on the area we are frolicking through.....
* About that car rental, that is the only "known" amount right now, at a total after taxes and fees of $932.
* We have free lodging for up to 4 of those days so this means we need to pay for 24 nights of lodging. I am looking at an Air BNB option or two once we get to ID, but otherwise it will be one or two night stands along the way. There is one special lodging we might do in WY for 1 night if we can get a reservation when we need it. This one is pricey at $145-$165 per night. Fort Laramie Bed and Breakfast
* How many meals we will need to pay for are unknown right now. Most motel nights stays we will get a free breakfast. While we will eat free at breakfast while at our free lodging(a friend's house), we will most certainly take them out for lunch or dinner at least once. Hubs and I will try to eat one big meal a day(lunch)and just snack or have something light at dinner time or not eat again that day.
* There are admission fees for some of the sights/things we are going to do.......what we know so far(this for both of us)-
Mt. Rushmore--$11
Little Bighorn Battlefield--$20
Pioneer Archway--$24
Distillery Tour-$20
* We do need to purchase a GPS since Hubs no longer has a smartphone.(It's either that or pay $10.95 per day for GPS in the rental car...yikes!) We hope to knock that off the list for $100 or less. Any recommendations by those in the know on which brand/model to purchase is appreciated. 8-)
* Road Tolls-so far we know of one, the Mackinac Bridge in MI, at $4 per crossing. And if we get through IL without paying a toll I'd be shocked! lol
* As far as souvenirs goes...we really don't plan on buying anything as keepsakes. Maybe a postcard or a t-shirt or if I find something that would make an awesome Christmas present for someone I gift to. I am sure Hubs will buy some alcohol of some kind to haul home but I don't plan on doing that.
I guess we need to build a souvenir budget into this plan but I am clueless right now on how much.
So that's what I have so far.
If you have any tips or ideas please send 'em on!
What should our tentative budget be based on all this?
Sluggy