I got this email from nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch just in time for our roadtrip tomorrow. Some of the tips are pretty basic but if you’re not a deal hunter like me, it pays to pay attention to her advice.

1. Plan Ahead she says. Well, I may be a bargain shopper but I’m not much of a planner. In fact, this trip came together in one evening of bedside chatting. Luckily there’s Google and Easy Tether Pro. I can do my research from the road! I can even book our campsite when we’re 100 miles out. I tried TripIt initially but found it to be a huge hassle over writing down my To-Dos in my journal. I also have my RV Road Atlas so I know exactly where the campsites are.

   

2. Save on Gas. Gas prices have dropped but it’s still going to cost a boatload in Ryan’s Jeep Laredo. At least he gets slightly better mileage than in my Chevy Equinox. So we’re taking his car. No box on the roof to create extra drag and expense. We’ll use my GasBuddy to find the cheapest prices in the area and my Amex to get SkyMiles so the tab won’t hurt as much.

3. Get Tuned- Woroch also suggests we take the car in for a tune-up before hitting the road.
Riiiight. Like we have that kind of time! Admittedly, a car breakdown during the trip would suck big time. Fortunately, Ryan’s Jeep is new. J

4. Save on Dining Out! We have agreed that when we camp (have the time), we’ll also grill in the firepits. Not only do we save $$$ but Sage the 5 year old will love it. I’ll also be sure to check local deal sites for restaurant certificates.

5. Pack Wisely she says. The best thing about a roadtrip is you can take the kitchen sink and not have to pay a baggage fee.; not that you would want to. If you pack everything you need you won’t have to stop at some over-priced convenience store for wipes, batteries, toothpaste, chapstick, sunscreen, etc. Go ahead, load up! Don’t pay for something you already have at home.

6. Make Snacks? Yeah, no. Even when I pack a ton of snacks for everyone, we still wind up
grabbing something from the roadside. The drinks are colder, the stop gives us a chance to get out and stretch, and you just never know what you’ll feel like eating until the mood strikes. That said, because Sage is a bottomless pit, we do pack PB&J, cheesesticks, crackers, pretzels, etc. for her. Rarely do you find healthy treats to satisfy a kid.

7. Avoid Bottled Beverages. We pack waterbottles and travel mugs.
The savings with refills are huge.

8. Tell Your Bank. When a bank sees a bunch of charges from various states in a short amount of time, they could flag your account and shut down your credit card. Give them a heads up but also monitor your account. You need to know the minute you lose your card that some a*&hole didn’t pick it up and continue his own roadtrip on your dime. P.S. Don’t carry a wad of cash. Carry the same amount you would on an average day. ATMs are everywhere and you don’t need to worry that a hotel housekeeper or campsite lurker is going to steal from you. Speaking of which LOCK YOUR CAR NO MATTER WHAT AND PUT VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT!

9. Drive Legally. Oh, That’s a good one. Yes, studies show that you save gas by doing the speed limit and you won’t risk a pricey speeding ticket but come on, who out there doesn’t get the needle up on occasion, or get pulled over even when they weren’t speeding? After three years with my Escort Passport 9500ix I trust it completely. It picks up every kind of radar including laser and redlight cameras. You can even hook it up to the internet and download updated locations of those cameras.

10.Wear Comfortable Clothes. This tip is mine. Ryan asked if he should bring anything nice. Why? We’re camping, staying in motels, hiking and driving. When you’re in your car more than not you want clothes that feel good. And you want pants that are easy to drop. It’s much easy to drop trough at the gas station or roadside if you have an elastic waistband than a belt and button fly. I grab my Keens that have stretchy cinch straps instead of laces (I like being barefoot in the car), Kuhl Capris, Polarmax XDRY T-Shirt that hides smells and a sweatshirt for when Ryan cranks the AC and I’m not hot. This time I’m taking my new Sherpa Sera sweater. I want to test and review it plus the wool will keep me warmer on the nights we camp.

Photos by Liz Mallen

At least I didn’t forget my panties. Talk about your chaotic roadtrip embarkments. Three times I had to drive back to my house before I was finally on the road to Aspen. So instead of a 9 a.m. start it was more like 11:30 a.m. Then with three kids and a puppy, the 6 hour drive brought us to the Molly Gibson Lodge at 8 p.m. We were already late for the 8 p.m. Welcome Reception and I had missed cocktails with Promo Communications- the PR agency that had invited me out to this exciting event.

The reception for Outside in Aspen at the Sky Lodge was a mix of Aspen locals and out of town guests. I ran into Chris Anthony (long-time Warren Miller pro) who would be leading the rockclimbing group. “There’s no snow,” he shrugged in response to my look when he said he was climbing. Some of the girls (myself included) wore cocktail dresses while others were more comfy in jeans. Men of all ages smiled. One girl with a painted mustache on her face was doing lines off her iPhone in plain sight of us. Not one to think that’s cool, we ignored the bad seed and enjoyed the DJ, the open bar and the yummy appetizers. The servers were happy to bring over kid food to- like sliders, mac n cheese and chicken skewers to keep the little ones happy.

We finally got the gang to bed before midnight. The Molly is a cozy spot just off the main drag that welcomes pets. Moki got dog treats and dog bowls at check in. And he romped with two other pups in the rear courtyard before stowing away in his crate so we could party. Tomorrow will be his day.

I had to tell Sage that her day with the sitter would be a lot more fun tomorrow because Momma had a meeting with grownups. That’s code for – you can’t join me for my adventure dog workshop. It’s my first clinic at Outside in Aspen and I’m determined to learn as much as I can from the experts leading my groups.

A guy I met tonight was considering the number of attendees. His company – Triumph Motorcycles – was one of the sponsors. He said organizers expected ‘only’ 300 people this weekend. I told him that was plenty; 10 clinics/300 people translates into 30 people per group. Those are big groups. I could see where a sponsor would want more exposure but personally I’d prefer a group half that size. We’ll see how it goes with the dog trainer tomorrow. Moki could use some individual attention. This is his first foray into adventure.

NO service. The heat of the sun is forcing its way through the passenger window to press against my cheek. As much as I hate the heat trying to burn a hole in my skin, I’m feeling a settled calm. Part of that comes from being done with the rush around- getting ready, stocking the car with essentials, packing for two and prepping the house for friends who will stop in to check on the kitty.

Roadtrips are never as simple as you think. I know I’m forgetting stuff. I should have been packing two days ago. Oh wait. I didn’t even know about this trip two days ago. Come to think of it, roadtripping can be that simple if I can get everything arranged for three people and be out the door in a day and half.

Passengering to Lake Powell for the first weekend in May. It’s our first roadtrip of the season. Last year was a different story with day after day of epic powder at Snowbird I had no desire to leave. This year, it’s the opposite. I have no desire to ski. Instead, it’s off to the water we go to learn to houseboat, to relish the 80 degree temps, to morph jagged snowcapped mountains into raw redrock desert.

The call came two days ago. Slots had opened up for the houseboat course and did I want to rally? Hmmm. We had yard sales, tickets to Derby Day at High West, a Cinco de Mayo party and plans to ski with friends. Did I want to bag all that for a 5 hour roadtrip, a free stay at Defiance Lodge, driving a houseboat and powerboat around the Lake and a welcome invitation to bring my five year old. Yes.

1p.m. and now it’s nearly 6p.m. and we’re not there. 40 more miles. Never make specific plans with people at your final destination. You’re bound to be late. Like that old saying- Half the fun of your trip is your journey. We stopped in Salt Lake for gas and lunch. In Price for the bathroom and in Hanksville for Milk and birthday cake mix. Yep it’s my bday this weekend- Cinco de Mayo actually and I can’t think of better way to celebrate than out of town away from that dreaded question- how old are you? Wtf does it matter, is what I say in my head. J

So we make a cake, clink some Provo Girl and call it good from the bow of the 54-foot Escape.

Hello, Lake Powell!