Motorcycle Touring on a Budget
Exploring America’s scenic highways by motorcycle is a proud American tradition. Of course, touring can get pretty expensive if you aren’t careful, but sticking to a budget doesn’t have to mean being stuck at home. With a few tricks up your sleeve, motorcycle touring can be an affordable travel option.
This guide from Boston Harley-Davidson® is aimed at helping you plan a thrifty touring adventure. If you’re looking for great deals on touring motorcycles, visit our dealership in Revere, MA. We have a wide selection of new and used models in stock, and friendly staff on hand to help you find a bike that fits your budget.
Low Cost Lodging
Just like any vacation, lodging is likely to be the largest expense of any touring trip. Thankfully, you can cut costs without too much sacrifice, especially if you don’t care about having fancy accommodations. Swimming pools and room service probably don’t rank high on your priority list, so make sure you’re not paying for any extra luxuries you won’t really need.
Camping is an excellent choice so long as you can expect decent weather. Just find a campground that allows motorcycles and be sure to pack your sleeping bag! If you prefer to sleep indoors, consider cheap roadside motels instead of costly hotels or Airbnbs.
Of course, the best price is always free. Plan your route around visiting friends and family, and you can enjoy free lodging as well as the opportunity to catch up and share stories of your adventures. You can show your appreciation by treating your host to dinner or bringing them a special gift, then mailing a thank-you card when you return home.
Money-Saving Meals
Riding your motorcycle is a full-body workout, and it’s important to stay well-fed on your touring trips. That said, it can be challenging to meet your caloric needs while maintaining a budget when you’re on the road! Dining out all the time isn’t very cost-effective, and you probably can’t fit enough food for a multi-day trip into your motorcycle’s storage compartments.
One way around this dilemma is to find accommodations where free breakfasts are provided. Eating a big breakfast can lighten your appetite (and your budget) when it comes to lunchtime. All-you-can-eat buffets are another great option for loading up on food without breaking the bank. You can use Google Maps to search for cheap buffets and diners along your route, and even look up menus ahead of time if you want to create a more precise food budget.
Meanwhile, some motel rooms are equipped with basic kitchen appliances so you can prepare your own food. Just swing by the nearest grocery store and grab a microwave meal for dinner and some instant oatmeal for breakfast. It doesn’t get much cheaper than that!
Frugal Fuel-Ups
You can’t get around guzzling up gas on touring trips, but you can avoid spending a fortune at the pump. Download an app like GasBuddy® to find the best gas prices along your route, and sign up for a fuel rewards program if you haven’t already. Some major grocery chains offer programs where you can earn fuel points for buying groceries. Rack up those points so you can cash them in during your motorcycle trip for maximum savings.
How about reducing trips to the gas station? There are various ways to upgrade your motorcycle to achieve better gas mileage. You can also improve fuel efficiency by packing light, and keeping your speed under control.
All it takes is a little advance planning to save serious money on your motorcycle trips. Touring is a lot more enjoyable when you can focus on the scenery instead of your bank account! We hope these tips help you make your low-cost travel dreams a reality.
Maybe the first step on your journey is finding a great deal on the perfect bike. If you’re looking for a Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycle for sale in the Boston area, look no further than Boston Harley-Davidson® in Revere, MA.