How much money would 4 people need for a road trip from Pittsburgh to New Orleans?

We are 2 couples in college. We are trying to estimate how much money each of us would need for this trip. It will be a spring break trip that could take up to a week. We're driving a 2009 Ford Fusion from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to New Orleans, Louisiana. We figured we'd split the drive there into 2 days to stop in the way. We need an estimate for everything considered. We don't plan to starve ourselves and we'd like to stop at the occasional good restaurant and attraction. We estimate the New Orleans hotel to cost us $40-$50 from what we found online. We figured anyone with road trip experience could help us out. Tips on saving money would help too!How much money would 4 people need for a road trip from Pittsburgh to New Orleans?
Direct travel costs are easy.



Divide the distance by the miles per gallon your car gets and multiply by $3 per gallon. Be conservative about the mileage your car gets. It is about 1100 miles each way, which would be two 11 to 12 hour driving days (each way). You will need to change the %26amp; filter oil after the trip so remember to count that cost.



Halfway is a bit north of Nashville, and ther eshould be many motels along the route. Remember to include the taxes when you calculate hotel rates.



Budget $30 per day per person for food %26amp; drink IF you stick to fast-food places. Budget $50 per day per person if you eat at somewhat nicer restaurants.



I don't know of any hotels in New Orleans with rooms for $40 to $50. Average room-night costs are closer to $100. Most hotels charge extra for parking. A budget hotel exception is the Villa Convento: www.villaconvento.com



If you are students you can stay at the India House Hostel: www.indiahousehostel.com



Buy snacks and drinks from a grocery store before leaving home. If you take with you alcohol remember it goes in the trunk. Having an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment is a violation.



Having a car-charger for your cellphone can be a big help.



Your car is a recent model (2009) but check the oil, tire pressure,etc. before leaving home. Make sure the spare tire is good and the jack works (practice changing a tire - really). Also have two good flashlights, jumper cables, and at least one extra set of keys.



Make sure you have the car''s registration %26amp; insurance papers with you. If you have a road-service plan take the contact information with you (ex. AAA). Also find out if the road-service plan qualifies you for hotel discounts.



Every state operates "rest areas" along the Interstates. You can get free highway maps at rest areas, and sometimes coupon books vaild for hotel/motel/restaurant discounts.



There are a few free or low-cost things to do in New Orleans but not many. Partying also costs money, but how much is up to you. I suggest budgeting $50 per day per person for attractions, plus however much you think you might spend partying.



www.frenchquarter.com

www.frenchquarterhotels.com



I hope you have a great time!