We are leaving to drive to california for my son's graduation from boot camp in two weeks. I know gas is going to be a killer, I need all your good ideas as far as savings go!! Anything is appreciated!!

By Tonya on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 11:09 am:

Pack a cooler with drinks and lunch meats and bread and the old PB&J fixings. Plus take snack foods so you do not have to stop and eat out anywhere.

We are leaving for IL today at 5pm it is only 6 hrs to get there. But we ahvev a cooler ready to go.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 11:10 am:

Out of curiousity, I would look to see how much airfare would be. With the cost of gas these days flying *might* be cheaper. Worth looking into anyway.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 11:37 am:

Make sure your car is well-tuned, all tires are at proper inflation, and fliters are cleaned. These can all really affect your gas mileage! If you are driving straight through you can avoid hotel costs. Also, you may want to check www.gasbuddy.com to see where the cheapest gas is along the way! Are you booking a hotel near the base? You can use discount sites like Hotwire or Priceline to get low hotel prices. Have fun!

By Kaye on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 02:41 pm:

ditto on the cooler. I found that gum always stays off hunger too. We just got back from a long car trip. I packed bottles of water, a few sodas, a big pag of air heads and m&m's. We only spent money on hotel and meals (which we had planned). If you buy meals on the road, don't buy those silly meals. Get just the burger, you have your drinks, then split fries. Oh I also packed some oranges and apples for the kiddos.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 04:33 pm:

Can you get a room with a cooking area, so you can buy food & cook it. You can get cereal & buy milk each am for breakfast. And maybe if there is a good supermarket nearby you can buy take-out roasted or fried chicken & sides & salad for supper.

By Mom2three1968 on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 07:54 pm:

thank you all!!