Touring on a Budget
Long-distance motorcycle touring is a spectacular way to explore the country, and it’s also pretty cost-effective when compared with other modes of travel. That said, your touring trips can get expensive if you aren’t careful. Looking to sate your appetite for adventure without breaking the bank? Whether you’re the proud new owner of a touring motorcycle or an experienced rider seeking to stretch your dollar, this guide can help you make the most of touring on a budget.
Are you in the market for your first touring bike, or thinking about an upgrade? Seacoast Harley-Davidson has great prices on new and used Harley-Davidson® models, and our qualified staff can help you find a bike with all the features you need to make your touring dreams come true. You can find us in North Hampton, NH.
Save on Lodging
Lodging is likely to be your largest expense while touring, but there are plenty of affordable options if you don’t mind roughing it a little. Enjoy sleeping under the stars? Plenty of campgrounds welcome motorcycles. Primitive campsites without power hookups are going to be the cheapest. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping bag!
Prefer to have a roof over your head? There are still plenty of low-cost accommodations out there. Do you really need that fancy Airbnb or four-star hotel, or can you make do with a cheap roadside motel? Chances are you’ll be spending most of your time on the road anyhow.
Better yet, plan your route around enjoying the hospitality of friends and family! Catching up with loved ones while saving money is a win-win situation. Be sure to show your appreciation by bringing a thank-you gift or treating your host to dinner. It’s also a nice touch to send them a postcard from your next destination!
Save on Food
Fitting in three meals a day can be tricky when you’re on the road. Your motorcycle’s storage compartments aren’t exactly ideal for storing food, and dining out for every meal can deplete your budget pretty fast. What’s a frugal traveler to do?
You may be used to eating on the fly when you’re at home, but the best way to save money on food when traveling is to plan ahead. One approach is to find accommodations where a free breakfast is provided. Load up at the breakfast table and you can get away with spending less money at lunch time. Of course, you can use the same strategy at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Look up cheap diners and grocery stores along your route, and prepare your own food whenever possible. Some motel rooms have kitchenettes where you can cook your own meals and brew your own coffee.
When it comes to prepared foods, supermarket delis are usually a cheaper option than restaurants, since you’re not paying for the ambience. Bag up some goodies and head to the nearest park—there’s no better ambience than the great outdoors!
Save on Fuel
Fuel is another area where doing a little advance planning can save you money. Look up the cheapest gas stations along your route, or use an app like GasBuddy that pulls prices from various locations to find you the best deal. Does your local grocery chain have a fuel rewards program? Sign up, save your points and cash them in during your motorcycle trip.
You can minimize trips to the gas station by optimizing fuel efficiency. Lighten your load by packing only the essentials, and keep your speed under control. You might also consider upgrading your motorcycle for better gas mileage.
We hope you found these tips helpful! As you can tell, touring on a budget is mostly a matter of thinking ahead. With all your financial considerations squared away, you can relax and enjoy your trip!
Of course, the first leg of your adventure might be finding that perfect bike. Harley-Davidson has some of the best touring motorcycles on the market, with a variety of models to suit different riding styles. If you’re looking for a Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle for sale in New Hampshire, look no further than Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton. We proudly serve our community, along with our neighbors in Manchester and Portsmouth, NH.