A report from AAA in December 2024 estimated that 107 million Americans traveled by car during the holiday season last year. If you went on a road trip then or have one planned for the latter half of 2025, there are minor expenses that could enhance your journey without breaking the bank. Although it’s still many months away from summer travel, it’s never too early to start thinking about the essentials.
Try out the most beneficial $20 purchases for an upcoming road trip that are highly practical, based on insights from budget-savvy road trip enthusiasts.
Consider Investing in Audiobooks:
Finance expert Melanie Musson from InsuranceProviders.com suggests spending $20 on audiobooks for your next trip. Having something to entertain yourself with can make the time spent driving feel more enjoyable. Audiobooks can also be a great way to keep young passengers entertained during the ride.
Bring Along a Pack of Cards:
Mamta Parkhill, the founder of Inspiredtravelhacks.com, recommends purchasing a pack of cards for your road trip. A versatile form of entertainment, cards can be enjoyed during long drives, rest stops, and evenings. They are a simple and space-efficient option that can also be used to teach children fun family games.
Get a Budget Bluetooth Speaker:
For just $20, you can acquire a budget Bluetooth speaker to connect to your phone for music, according to Gary Gray, co-founder at CouponChief.com. A speaker can provide entertainment both during the drive and at your accommodation, enhancing your overall trip experience.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks:
Eric Rosenberg, a finance expert and founder of Freelancer Dashboard, suggests that investing $20 in healthy car snacks is a wise choice for a road trip. By purchasing nutritious snacks in advance from a grocery store, you can ensure a cost-effective and healthier alternative to buying junk food at gas stations or truck stops along the way.
By making these simple yet effective purchases, you can elevate your road trip experience while staying within budget.
“Opting for healthier choices during your road trips can significantly enhance your journey experience, both while driving and upon reaching your destination,” highlighted Rosenberg. By prioritizing nutritious alternatives, you can boost your overall well-being. Additionally, this approach can help you save time during your travels as you won’t need to make frequent stops for snacks or endure long queues at tourist attractions.
Discussing the value of a UV Sanitizer Wand, Reilly James Renwick, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pragmatic Mortgage, emphasized its practicality, stating, “For just $20, investing in a portable UV sanitizer wand can be one of the most beneficial purchases you make.” This innovative device enables you to maintain cleanliness by sanitizing your hands at gas stations, while snacking in your vehicle, or while settling in at your accommodation for the night.
Renwick highlighted the significance of this cost-effective tool, asserting that it can significantly impact your travel experience. He added, “It provides a convenient method to stay hygienic and free from germs without the need to carry around bulky bottles of sanitizer. With a growing emphasis on health-conscious travel, having a lightweight and efficient solution to disinfect surfaces can greatly enhance the entire journey.”
Investing in these $20 gadgets can enhance the quality of your road trip and ensure you feel adequately prepared to safely reach your destination. For more insightful articles, visit GOBankingRates for information on topics such as SUV price trends, retirement saving strategies, financial habits of the wealthy, and unconventional ways to earn extra income.
