THE great summer getaway is almost upon us.
But this year, driving across the country will be costlier than ever. With fuel prices at record highs, here are some ideas to put the brakes on road-trip expenses . . .
Six tips to drive down the costs of your summer road trip
DRIVE ON: Services stations often hike up the price of food and drink as well as fuel. Find better places to refuel yourself at justoffjunction.co.uk. It lists thousands of locations close to motorway junctions where you’ll get a better deal.
CHEAP EATS: In many major towns close to main roads, you will find an Asda supermarket. This summer, from July 25, the store is offering kids’ meals for £1, all day, seven days a week, with no minimum adult spend. That’s got to be worth making a mini detour for.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT: Instead of auto- matically driving on to a forecourt at a motorway service station, register at PetrolPrices.com to find the cheapest fuel close to where you are driving.
LISTEN UP: Keep the kids entertained on your journey with a brilliant audio book. The first stop for free CDs is your local library, which costs nothing to join.
You should also be able to access an online service using your library membership and listen to thousands of books for free. You could sign up for a free trial of ebook service Audible, but remember to cancel if you don’t want to move on to the paid-for subscription.
ROUTE CANAL: Today’s motorways often follow similar routes to canals, which were the transport systems of their day. These waterways now offer a scenic stop-off on long car journeys. Find those close to main roads by searching “motorway stop-offs’” at canalrivertrust.org.uk.
GAME DRIVE: Prepare a few games for the journey to keep little ones occupied. Car bingo is a great idea. Make a list or a picture card of things you might spot on the trip, from sheep to diggers.
Everyone, except the driver, crosses off each item as they spot it until one person has marked them all.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
This three-piece stainless steel pan set from Dunelm is only £10
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Cheap treat
A four-pack of 59g pots of chocolate Aero Bubbly Mousse is £1 at Sainsbury’s
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Top swap
The stylish Fermob 25cm rechargeable lantern is £92 at Selfridges
Fanosa’s 21cm lantern, now £12.50 from La Redoute
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