<p>Where did the month of June go? Thirty days of summer might be gone, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t plan a quick get away before July slips by.</p>
<p>Even if you have little to no money to spend, stretch those dollars into summertime fun without financial stress. These tips will help you make the most of summer.</p>
<p>Plan a wacky day trip</p>
<p>July weekends were built for road trips. The longer daylight hours allow you to drive further without flipping on the headlights. You may have a few favorites you love to revisit every summer — maybe a state park or a friend’s house. This year, up your road trip game by planning a day your crew won’t soon forget.</p>
<p>Check out a book like “1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die” or “50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do” from the library. Scan its pages for ideas within driving distance that require little to no cash.</p>
<p>Or use a website like Roadtrippers.com or Atlasobscura.com to find some fantastic ideas of offbeat destinations on less than a tank of gas. From a collection of the World’s Largest Items in Casey, Illinois to lovely and historic churches, from an Exoctic Feline Rescue Center in Brazil, Indiana to an RV Hall of Fame and Museum in Bristol, Indiana — you’ll be surprised at just how many wacky trips you can plan.</p>
<p>Work the rewards</p>
<p>If your budget is flexible enough to book an overnight stay to extend your road trip, be sure to maximize each and every reward point. To begin with, check your current rewards programs to see if you have points you can cash out to help offset the expense of a hotel.</p>
<p>Second, if you choose to book online, be sure to use a portal such as Ebates or Swagbucks to earn cash back from your purchase. Last but not least, sign up for hotel reward programs (they’re typically free) to be rewarded for your stay. Most of these programs also feature perks like free WiFi, complimentary snacks and more.</p>
<p>Pack the snacks</p>
<p>Food costs while traveling stack up as you snack up, flying down the highway. Take a few minutes before you leave to prevent what could be a spending trap. Fill up your favorite refillable water bottle or travel coffee mug. Clear out the cabinets and put together a bag of non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, cereal, nuts, and chips. If you have a cooler, fill it with sandwiches, fruits and veggies and maybe a sweet treat or two.</p>
<p>While on the road, avoid the gas station goodies and drive through as much as possible. When booking hotels, look for those that include a free breakfast and/or a refrigerator and microwave.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to pack plates and disposable cutlery, too. And toss in a blanket to have a picnic somewhere fun.</p>
<p>Fair well</p>
<p>One of the very best parts of summer? Fairs, festivals and hometown celebrations galore happen almost every weekend. Before you plan a trip, look for a special event you can attend close to home or an hour or two away. IndianaFestivals.org has a great searchable calendar where you can discover unique and offbeat opportunities.</p>
<p>Maybe you’ll go to the Twelve Mile 500 — a lawn mower race in Cass County. Or perhaps head to Winchester for the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Convention. There’s the Quilter’s Hall of Fame Celebration in Marion, Artie Fest in Martinsville, the Circus City Festival in Peru, and so much more!</p>
<p>The summer isn’t over yet. You’ve still got time to get down the road for an adventure or two. Get busy planning your memories while taking a few steps to insure they don’t result in financial regret.</p>
