5 Tips to Take a Trip Up the Pacific Coast Highway on a Budget

The pandemic finally seems to be abating. Vaccinations are on the rise across the country, infections have decreased and travel bug is rampant.

After a year and several months of being sheltered at home with minimal interaction, it makes sense that we crave fresh air and new experiences. But as people adjust to travel, prices go up. The demand for hotels, rental cars, and airline tickets means that post-pandemic travel plans may come with additional costs.

Fortunately, there are still ways to travel on a budget. I recently went on one of my bucket list trips – a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway in sunny California.

If you are thinking of exploring the California coast, here are some tips on how to do it without completely messing up your personal finances.

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1. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible

If you are planning on taking a trip in the next few weeks, you are likely paying the highest price for your flights and hotels. But if you are planning an escape several months from now, you will find that the prices are much easier to bear.

Keep in mind that for a trip like this, you might be planning flights and accommodation in multiple cities. For example, we decided to fly to San Diego and spend five nights in different cities while driving up the coast. We then flew home from San Francisco.

Your travel plans may also include flights to and from an airport. And you will likely need to secure accommodation in multiple cities along the way. If you plan all of this in advance, you can have peace of mind while traveling.

2. Redeem credit card rewards for flights and hotels

If you have rewards credit cards, now is the time to start making money. Redeem your airline miles for a few bus tickets. With the right rewards program, you can find that the flight portion of your trip will end up costing you next to nothing!

And don’t forget to use up all the points and miles you have accumulated on your travel credit card. If you have a hotel credit card with lots of accumulated points, you may find suitable hotels along your route where you can exchange those points for free nights.

Or, instead of hotels, check out Airbnb. With an abundance of affordable options – including private apartments, entire houses, or just a bedroom in an otherwise occupied house – Airbnb can be a tremendous money saver no matter where your travel takes you.

3. Travel on weekdays instead of weekends for cheaper bookings

You’ve probably noticed that airline and hotel pricing plans go down during the week and go up on the weekend. Use this knowledge to your advantage and plan the majority of your midweek trips.

There are a couple of advantages here: First, you benefit from lower prices. You’ll also find that the attractions are much less crowded during the week with adults working and children at school (depending on the time of year).

For example, you might plan to leave on a Sunday and go home on a Friday evening. This type of schedule will save you the bloated Friday and Saturday night and travel expenses.

4. Look for the best deal on a rental car

You will need a vehicle to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. This is another time you book well in advance – and travel on weekdays – your friend will be.

Plan more budget for a rental car due to rising costs. To keep your expenses under control:

• Use a website that compares prices from multiple car rental companies to quickly find out what your cheapest options are.
• Try a car sharing service like Turo.

My advice? You don’t need something as extravagant as a convertible or sports car. The ride itself is rich in scenery, and the only thing you’ll get distracted is if you can’t see the wind whipping your hair.

One other thing: don’t be afraid of the not big name car rental companies. Sometimes these companies only operate regionally. But just because they’re not nearby in your part of the country doesn’t mean they aren’t a good option for your travels. If they look real and the price is the best, give it a try!

And if you have a credit card that rewards gasoline spending, make sure to take it with you. You can also reap the rewards from any necessary expenses.

5. Do not spend a bundle on activities

There is no getting around spending money on flights, hotels and gasoline. But where you can choose to go cheaply is with your activities.

The Pacific Coast Highway has a lot to offer for those on a budget. You will discover many great cities and attractions, including La Jolla Cove in San Diego, which is a must-see.

The many famous beaches and tourist areas near LA, such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, are yours to explore at your leisure. And there are plenty of cheap souvenir shops and delicious street food to try!

And if you have a golf lover in your life, I definitely recommend a tour of Pebble Beach.

You can even get by on a shoestring budget in famous expensive cities like San Francisco:

• Visit Baker Beach – the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is breathtaking.
• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Drive down Lombard Street.
• Admire the city and bay views from the Coit Tower.

You may be surprised how much you can see and do without emptying your wallet. So miss the day to Disneyland and focus on all the beautiful sights the Pacific Coast Highway has to offer. It can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it doesn’t have to leave you with a lot of debt.

source https://thedailytradingnews.com/5-tips-to-take-a-trip-up-the-pacific-coast-highway-on-a-budget/