As a college student, you want to get out there and explore the country while you’re on break, but you feel like you can’t afford it. You’re on a minimum wage job and you just can’t afford the flights to go where you want to go. If this sounds like you, you can still get the trip you want. All you have to do is make a road trip out of it! Here’s how you can go on the trip of a lifetime and still save cash.

1. Have the car checked before you go

The car is a great way of getting across the country. It can be cheaper, you can fit all your friends in, and you can stop off at exciting and interesting places along the way. The only problem is though that you’re responsible for it if it breaks down along the way. A breakdown on the road can be expensive and time consuming, so you want to avoid this happening.

The best thing to do is to take your car for a full check up at a garage before you go. Have the mechanics give your car the once over, and fix any issues while they’re still only minor. This is a great idea, as you’ll have to spend a bit of cash now, but it’ll save you a lot of money in the long run.

2. Plan your route

“Back in the day, people would have to use physical maps to plan their routes. Now, you can plan the entire thing online. There are plenty of sites that will help you create a roadmap of your trip, so start planning out where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. These sites will give you printouts if you need them, so you can follow them even if you have no signal,” says Tonya Allisson, travel writer at Elite Assignment Help and EssayRoo.

What’s great about these sites is that you can adjust them to show rest stops, attractions, gas station, and more. They can even tell you how much gas will cost while you’re away.

3. Create a budget

If you’ve planned your trip properly, you’ll now know just about what it’s going to cost you. Create a budget for every day, and stick to it. This will help you save money in the long run, and make sure that you have enough to do everything that you want to do on the way.

If you’re traveling with friends, the best thing to do is use an envelope and ask them all to put a certain amount of money in it. This should be used for essentials, such as gas, food and lodging. that way, you know that everyone is paying equally.

4. Pack light

You don’t want a car overburdened with other people’s stuff. There’s only so much space in there, and the more you’re carrying, the more gas you’ll use. Have everyone pack light for the trip and only bring what they really need. Some people suggest only bringing a school sized backpack with you, but you can adjust that rule depending on your needs.

If you’re worried about your clothes, you can plan in some stops at a laundromat along the way. That way, you can bring less clothes, but still have something clean to wear every day.

5. Look for free attractions

On your trip, there’s going to be a lot to see and do. Those trips can add up though, and you’re trying to do this on a budget. If you’re smart though, you can get into a lot of attractions for cheaper or even for free.

“Take a look on tourism websites and forums, as they’ll often point you towards offers and deals in the right cities as you’re traveling. Look for coupons too, as they’ll give you money off days out in the area,” suggests Nicholas Sews, consultant at PaperFellows and Big Assignments.

6. Don’t buy souvenirs

It’s tempting to buy all the souvenirs you can when you’re on your trip. It’s understandable, as you want something you can remember your trip by in years to come. However, they don’t come cheap. Buying them can seriously eat into your budget and fill up your car faster than you can blink.

The best way to bring something back without eating into your cash reserves is to bring something back for free. A rock from a natural beauty spot can mean a lot in the years to come, while a tacky fridge magnet just won’t. Plus, it won’t take up much room at all. If you really do want to buy something though, postcards are both cheap and small.

7. Sleep for cheap or free

Hotels and motels are a good place to sleep, but the price can mount quickly. Instead, you can find ways to sleep for cheap or even free on the road. Truck stops are a good place to stop, as they have all the amenities you need if you’re happy to sleep in the car. State camping spots are good too if you have a tent with you.

If you can, try couch surfing as you travel. You can sleep for free on other people’s sofas or floors. If you do this, make sure you spend some time with your hosts to thank them for putting you up.

8. Get free entertainment for the car

You’ll be spending long periods of time in the car, so make sure you have entertainment for when the chatter dies down. If you already own an iPad or similar device, this is easy to do. Sign up for free trials of movie and audiobook services, and download movies, TV shows, and books for you and your passengers to enjoy when you’re on the move. You can even buy an iPad mount so your backseat passengers can watch movies with ease.

10. Embrace change

Things will change when you’re traveling. Your plans will get changed or delayed, or your planned activities may cost more than you were planning on. Go with the flow, and don’t worry if things get changed around you. It’s the best way to enjoy the perfect road trip.