Amy’s travel tips

Amy Graff, the blogger who took her family on a Route 66 trip earlier this summer, set a budget ceiling of $250 a day during her voyage.

She managed to do it, despite one splurge day. Here’s her tips on how to make your next road trip with your family more economical:

1. Lighten your load. Carrying 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent (my husband packed only one pair of shorts, one pair jeans and a few shirts.) If you have cargo to haul, put it in the trunk instead of on a roof rack, which can decrease mileage by as much as 5 percent.
2. Inflate your tires and lose that leadfoot. Underinflated tires are a safety hazard and decrease fuel economy by as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Excessive braking and accelerating reduces fuel economy, as does driving faster than highway speed limits. Teach your kids to read the speedometer; they’ll enjoy making sure you stay under 70 mph.
3. Invest in a cooler. Fill it with healthy snacks such as dried fruit, crackers, salami, cheese and yogurt. Also, pack a loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter.
4. Go for hotel freebies. Bed down at places that offer extra value: breakfast at the hotel, free Internet access and parking.
5. Carry refillable water bottles. A family of four can easily spend $20 a day buying water in plastic bottles. We invested in eco-friendly Klean Kanteens, which don’t leach chemicals, toxins or funky flavors.
6. Split entrees. Unless you’re eating at a hoity-toity place in the big city, restaurant entrees are typically humongous – and easily feed two hungry people.
7. Enjoy free entertainment. You can play I-Spy, 20 Questions or Name that Tune without spending a penny. Borrow audio books from your public library and download free printable car bingo cards from www.aaa.com/roadtrip.
8. Dive into the hotel pool. Take a break from amusement parks and shopping malls where you’re bound to overspend.
9. Opt for cheap souvenirs. My son collected rocks along Route 66 — most of them he just picked up off the ground. My daughter put together a great postcard collection.
10. Take advantage of discounts. Your AAA card saves you money at hotels, restaurants and attractions. Pick up discounted amusement park tickets. If you’re planning to visit several national parks, consider an annual pass ($80, www.nationalparks.org). Also, ask about hotel rewards programs.

I’m going to add one more tip: Invest in a Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide. Not only will you find a lot of good restaurants, but you’ll likely find a motel that less expensive than the chains and just as nice.