Spring Break
Spring break for student's budget
Dana Owens
Issue date: 2/5/07 Section: Spring Break 07
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Many MTSU students will be relocating to various beach destinations March 5 through 10, and who could blame them? To make the 10-plus hour drive more bearable and cost-effective, bring along filling food such as sandwiches, fruit, peanut butter and crackers or trail mix.
Once the destination is reached, the cash-strapped student would be wise to stock up on far more reasonably priced food from the grocery store instead of relying on restaurants or greasy but cheap fast-food places.
A helpful resource for finding the good but inexpensive eateries is "Rachel Ray's $40 a day" Web site (http://www.foodnetwork.com). Believe it or not, the Food Network star we love to hate has been to many major cities around the country and knows how to find the deals. If that isn't appealing, just ask the locals for the best place to eat rather than falling into overpriced tourist traps. Those cheap little cafés usually end up being very tasty.
Though gas has just barley dipped to below the $2 mark, in Tennessee anyway, being conscious of mileage will save students a couple of bucks and stops along the way.
As frustrating as it is to be passed on the freeway, just take it slow. Driving between 60 to 70 mph will guarantee far better gas mileage. Keep in mind that at high speeds, having the windows rolled down will create significant enough drag to affect mileage as well. Use the air-conditioner on a low speed while driving fast, but crack the windows when driving around town.
Likewise, if the destination is a bit on the chilly side, be sure to turn off your heater while accelerating onto the freeway. This will put less stress on your engine and consume less fuel. Try to keep the heat on low, especially when driving at high speeds. It's amazing what a hat and pair of gloves will do.
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