What will my long weekend road trip actually cost me?
Whether it’s Easter, a school holiday or just a long weekend getaway, road trips have a way of costing more than you planned. The good news? Most of it is avoidable with a little upfront planning.
Most of us budget for petrol and snacks, and think that's the trip sorted (spoiler alert: it never is). The real cost hides in the details – an unplanned overnight stop, a tyre that should have been replaced before you left, or toll fees you forgot to factor in.
1. Sort the car before you pack your bags
Before you even think about packing your bags, give your car a once-over. It’s one of those things that’s easy to skip, until you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre wishing you hadn’t.
Here’s a quick pre-trip checklist:
- Fluids: Engine oil, coolant/radiator, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Top up as needed.
- Lights and wipers: Check the headlights, rear lights, indicators, brakes and hazards. Give your wipers a look. If they’re streaking or have any cracks, replace them immediately.
- Safety kit: Make sure you have a spare wheel (and that it’s in good condition), a jack, wheel spanner and emergency triangle. It’s also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit. At minimum, include adhesive bandages, plasters, sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, scissors, a space blanket and disposable gloves.
- Licences and documents: Both your driver’s and car licence disc should be valid. Check now so you’re not scrambling the morning you leave. And if you’re crossing a border, make sure your car insurer and medical aid know so you’re covered in case of emergencies.
- Tyres: Look for uneven wear, cracks or bulges. Our legal tread limit is 1mm, so if you’re close to that, it’s time for new tyres. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, Tiger Wheel & Tyre can check, fit, balance or align wheels. And if you swipe your qualifying Standard Bank card while you’re there, you can earn up to 2.5% in UCount Rewards Points.
2. Know what the trip costs before you hit the road
Petrol, food, tolls and the odd unplanned stop for snacks all add up faster than you'd expect. Budget for more than you think you’ll need and then add a little extra.
Tips to help keep your road trip costs down:
- Petrol: Small driving habits make a bigger difference than you'd think. Keep a steady speed, go easy on the brakes, and keep your windows up on the highway to get the most out of your tank.
- Food and drinks: Petrol station food is convenient, but adds up quickly. Pack some food for the road, it's cheaper and you won't have to stop as often.
- Tolls: Map your route in advance so you know what to expect. You won’t always be able to avoid paying toll fees, but at least you’ll be prepared.
- Accommodation: If there's any chance you'll need to stop overnight, book something now. Long weekends fill up fast, and a last-minute room will cost you significantly more than one you planned for.
3. Keep the kids busy without a screen
Before you leave, give each child a small bag to pack themselves: a colouring book, a puzzle, a few stickers. When the novelty of what they’ve packed wears off, the road itself becomes the game.
Try these ideas:
- Spot the car: Pick a car colour (car brands also work well) and the first to spot 10 of them wins. The winner gets to pick the next snack or music playlist.
- Road trip bingo: Make simple bingo cards before you leave, with things you're likely to spot: a minibus taxi, a windmill, an ostrich, a tractor. The first to complete a row wins.
- I spy: One player picks something they can see, then says "I spy with my little eye, something beginning with ...", and gives the first letter. Everyone else takes turns to guess. It’s simple to play, never gets old, and works even with kids who claim they're too old for it.
4. Make the drive work harder for you
Swipe your qualifying Standard Bank card at Astron Energy or Caltex to earn up to R10* per litre back in UCount Rewards Points.
Before you pull out the driveway, run through the checklist, confirm the current pump price, and set aside a small contingency. A little prep now means your road trip stays fun and on track.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek financial or legal advice before making any decisions based on the content.
Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries, make no warranties or representations (implied or expressed) as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the content of this article. The use of the article and any reliance on the content is at the reader’s risk.
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