Reduce the Cost of Road Trips -- Savings Experiment

Road trips are generally a budget-friendly way to travel, but these days gas and expenses can be costly. Here are a few ways you can save on fuel, meals and more.

First, take a moment to plan your trip online. With sites like Roadtrippers.com, you can map out your route, and estimate gas prices and tolls. You can even save your itinerary and access it through the site's accompanying app.

When it comes to saving on gas, make sure to lighten your car load. Vehicles that are weighed down by heavy objects burn through fuel at a rate of 1-2 percent per 100 pounds. Then, when you're coasting on the open road, leave your windows up and use air conditioning, if necessary. Open windows increase the drag on your car and force it to use more fuel to compensate.

It's no surprise that grabbing food on the road can be pricey. Forget rest stop restaurants and pack your own meals and snacks. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be able to have lunch with your family while enjoying the views.

So, if you're thinking about taking a trip this season, use these tips to make sure you're getting the most for your money. Knowing you're spending smart can make the trip that much more enjoyable.