You’ve booked your hotel, stashed away money for food, activities, and souvenirs, and are eagerly awaiting the date of your departure. After all, it’s been a while since you took a real vacation.

However, when you start looking through travel sites and forums, you realize you don’t have the travel gear you need to take a road trip. Whether traveling cross country or going camping for a week with friends, there’s important equipment and other stuff you need to have a good time and even survive. 

If you’re on a budget and need that travel gear now, we’ll give you a few of the best ways to save money on that gear and still have it ready when the time comes to depart. 

Secure a Small Loan

If you’ve spent all your travel money on the food and lodging, you can always apply for a personal loan to cover the essentials. Just make sure that the loan you get is something you can easily pay back  —  either all at once, or by making monthly payments  —  without putting yourself in debt when you get back from your travels. 

You Don’t Always Have to Buy the Very Best

There are items, such as clothing, body wash, and essentials that are must-haves for any traveler, then there are things such as cameras, backpacks, and the like that you need but don’t have to be the very best. For example, you don’t have to have all the latest gizmos or the bells and whistles on the gadgets you do buy. 

As long as what you buy to travel with is durable, well-made, waterproof, and works well, that’s all you have to have. When you’re in a better financial situation, then you can purchase the best there is and put it away for the next trip you embark on. 

Coupons and Promo Codes Are Key

Whether it’s for groceries, Christmas shopping, or buying travel gear, coupons and promo codes can save you a ton of money. When you check out at almost any online store, there’s a space to put in a promo code. That space isn’t there just to look pretty. That space can save you quite a bit on your purchase. There are hundreds of sites that you can go to that will give you the promo codes you need to ensure you get only the best discounts and savings on the travel gear you purchase. 

However, it is essential to do your research on the different coupon sites, as a few will try to take advantage or become spammy once they get ahold of your email and information. 

Shop Online and Take Your Time

While you might want to venture out to brick and mortar stores to try the different gear out and determine what’s the best for your needs, however, when it comes time to buy, stick to online shops. Online shopping, 9 times out of 10, is where you’re going to find the best price. 

Plus, online shops have many more travel gear options to choose from because they aren’t limited on what they can keep in stock, which means the prices will be lower and the travel gear options plentiful. 

So, to clarify, don’t just shop at brick-and-mortar stores or online shops without taking your time so that you can get the best deals. 

Now that you realize you forgot the travel gear for your upcoming trip, you should be happy to know that it’s not the end of the world. Follow the tips above for saving money on your essentials, and you’ll be ready for your trip in no time at all.