Hit the open road without draining your wallet. Member benefits add up, as do these top road-trip tips. From smart fuel stops to budget-friendly places to stay, a little planning can help stretch every dollar while you enjoy the ride.

Consult a vehicle inspection checklist.

Before leaving home, have a full mechanical inspection done on your vehicle, checking things like wheels, brakes, suspension, hoses and fluids. Get an oil change and ensure the tires are properly inflated. A mechanically sound car saves on gas and is less inclined to break down en route, warding off expensive emergency repairs. Find a CAA-Approved Auto Repair Facility (AARS™) near you and ask about their 139-point Vehicle Inspection Service for a thorough check-up.

Shop smart for road trip essentials.

Before you hit the road, take a moment to see if the items on your road trip essentials checklist are available at CAA to help stretch your travel budget a little further. Shop for a new travel backpack or packing cubes at a CAA Store, stock up on phone chargers or a portable power bank from Staples or grab comfortable road trip outfits from Old Navy or Altitude Sports. Visit caasco.com/rewards to explore the full list of CAA Rewards partners and the savings and perks available to Members.

Keep fuel economy top of mind.

Try to avoid busy times of day so you don’t have to crawl along the highway in heavy traffic, wasting gas. Always stay aware of the posted speed limit and road conditions to adjust your driving accordingly. Keeping your speed steady can also help reduce fuel consumption and stretch your fuel budget a little further. As well, try to cut back on the air conditioning. Many people don’t realize that its compressor is powered by the engine, which must burn extra fuel to keep the car cool. Don’t forget, CAA Members save 3¢ per litre on fuel at participating Shell stations, which can stretch your dollar even further.

Fill up on road trip treats.

Bringing your own food can bring road trip expenses way down. Car-friendly snacks such as granola bars, muffins, trail mix and fruit allow you to save money on restaurant meals, as well as time that can be better spent exploring. Frozen bottles of water can double as ice packs. When the cooler is empty, grocery stores are cheaper than fast-food restaurants. But if you do pull off the road for a meal, consider one of the many restaurants that offer discounts to CAA Members as a part of the CAA Rewards^® Preferred Dining program.

Book a room ahead of time.

If you’re not camping or booking a B&B, keep in mind that hotel rates outside of the city centre will be lower. When first mapping out your route, consider if there are friends or family members who would appreciate a visit. Someone just might have a spare room or a big rec-room floor for sleepover-style fun. If you do book a hotel, remember that CAA Members can also save with discounts at popular chains such as Marriott, Sheraton and more.

Find free attractions.

Stopping at historical sites, points of interest or photogenic vistas can provide ample free entertainment. Public parkland is great for playing catch or Frisbee. Before leaving home, check local listings for free events like cultural festivals or outdoor concerts. Hiking, walking, spending quality time on the beach and window shopping — all are free.

Hit the road. Explore road trip ideas, map your route and plan smarter with helpful tools and resources available at caasco.com.