Financing a Long Road Trip

follow the tracks to adventure!

So  how does one finance a long road trip? Save up for years or fly by the seat of your pants and just go?! Well, I haven't saved up so it's just go for it. I've spent quite a bit upfront over the last several months getting my trailer ready to go and making sure I'll be pretty self-sufficient.

I believe my primary costs will be:
showers and laundry
camping
gas
groceries
souvenirs
pet sitting while visiting Denali National Park
emergency- credit card

It appears that gas is around $1.15 a liter. 3.78  liters equals 1 US gallon. The trip is around 2,300 miles one way and my truck only gets around 15mpg with the trailer. I'd say gas will be my biggest ugliest cost! Camping fees will likely average around $20 (many are $12 plus I hope to find free spots), with an RV park a couple of times at $30 or $40 a night. Meals are groceries with very little eating out. With my new health issue I'll need to watch what I eat as much as possible. Showers and laundry should be pretty cheap- when I can find them. Lastly, souvenirs. I am a sucker for souvenirs! I love visitor centers and all of the wonderful items they carry. I plan on picking up some jewelry, t-shirts for family, books (after all I am a book addict), couple of coffee mugs, and other items that either bring me or another person  joy. And don't forget pet sitting is $30 or $40 a day and I plan on spending 2 full days on the bus in Denali National Park (an 8-10 hour ride!). No frills such as plane rides or boat tours since I have Templeton with me. That's for another day.

The other issue is how much money in Canadian vs US I should carry. I'll need to decide how much Canadian money I'll need and stop by a bank for the best exchange rate. I'll be looking for credit unions that reciprocate with other credit unions. I plan to use my debit card a lot because I'll get the exchange rate and avoid extra charges. Credit cards give the exchange rate but charge a fee however, I'll utilize them from time to time. I'll inform my bank and credit union plus phone carrier about my trip to avoid any surprises.

So many items to think about when you are towing a trailer, taking a dog, have a health issue that affects meal planning, haven't saved up for, and on the road for 3 weeks in near wilderness. I can't wait!!