LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Americans are hitting the road this 4th of July, and most families are driving.

Triple-A projects over 61 million Americans will travel by car to destinations near and far for the patriotic holiday. This year’s record-breaking travel numbers by families on the road are a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. While those numbers may be growing, you don’t want the price of the trip to increase, and it doesn’t have to.

Joe Saul-Sehy, personal finance expert and host of the award-winning podcast “The Stacking Benjamins” says summer travel can be smooth and affordable.

“The average family, according to a recent national study, is going to spend about 15% more this year on vacation than they did before the pandemic,” said Saul-Sehy. “If you’re going to budget ever, budget for the vacation, cause credit card debt creates regret.”

Take the time to budget and plan for your vacation. It can save you money and possibly a little sanity as the trip goes smoothly.

“Have the cash set aside,” stressed Saul-Sehy. “Number two, use your credit card with a good point system. Swipe the credit card but then use that cash that you set aside to pay it off right away. I don’t even wait for the statement.”

The top choice for summer getaways has travelers looking for every possible way to stretch every dollar- The All-American Road Trip.

“Restaurants are 30% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic,” shared Saul-Sehy. “Man, I think that’s why a lot of people are saying, ‘if I take a car, I can pack some snacks. I can maybe eat at a beautiful park like I’m in now.’”

Depending on where you stay while on vacation, you can prepare some or all your own meals.

“The cost of Airbnb or VRBO, those are about the same as a hotel,” explained Saul-Sehy. “Looking at your lodging from a different lens, I think you can save money and can also create some cool memories.”

After saving money, packing the snacks, and finding accommodation, prepare one of the most important parts of the trip: the car. Saul-Sehy explains you can even save on the gas if you do it right.

“Everybody knows about these gas apps that are out there to save on gas on the road trip,” stressed Saul-Sehy.

Saving money in as many ways as possible means it will help save as much as possible. Keep your car on track for a budget-wonderful getaway by making sure you’ve kept maintenance on the car on track as well.

“Make sure your tires are properly inflated,” stressed Saul-Sehy. “Not only will you save money on fuel mileage by having properly inflated tires, you’ll also then replace the tires less often.”

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