Any suggestions?
By Modestah
@Modestah (11177)
United States
May 1, 2008 11:32pm CST
Our son is going to be going to University out of state (augh) about 600 miles away...
We need to go there for him to take placement tests (um, why wasn't SAT sufficient?) and also for his orientation. He is told the tests last 3 hours each - so they will not be scheduled on the same day.
Do you have any suggestions that we can implement for saving money in the traveling to and fro?
I figure I will pack a cooler - no eating out... that will save probably $100 round trip.
I will be taking the van which only gets around 20mpg (ick) so will be careful to accelerate slowly to conserve gas expenditure.
I will map out our trip in advance as I have no sense of direction I really need to do this for both ways. Then I will take a look at www.GasBuddy.com and www.GasPriceWatch.com for the stations with the best gas costs but that can all change from the time I do the search and the time I arrive in a certain area.
any other ideas to help us shave costs?
(there is a military instillation not too far from the university - so I may see if we can get billeting which will cost about $40 a night instead of $80 and up in the city)
2 responses
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 May 08
Are there any friends or family living in the area? This is the area I would try reducing costs. Be sure and bring drinks, as it can really add up purchasing them. We regularly take two coolers, so one is for drinks. Have a safe trip.
@Modestah (11177)
• United States
2 May 08
oh you are so right about the drinks! I will bring jugs of water and maybe lemonade though that might require more pit stops.
We have connections with a Church not too far from the school, we can call and see if we can stay there and then give a portion of the money that the hotel would have cost us to the church instead...
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 May 08
I think that is a great idea to give the church some of your savings. Glad I could help with my post. I can see many people posted and I'm quite glad.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 May 08
I saw a post under me and thought many posted, but glad I'm not the only post. Have a good day.
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
2 May 08
Can you get all the test placed as close as possible so there is less time to spend? Try to make a vacation out of it and find things to do when you are out there. Get the best bang for your buck. Good luck. I hope it all goes well.
