“Plus, if you need anything else, it’s Walmart. They have it.”
As you hit the road this holiday, a mom of four has some advice that can save you serious coin. Instead of gas stations or fast food restaurants, she suggests eating at Walmart.
Food costs can quickly add up when you’re on the road, depending on where you eat.
In a TikTok that’s generated over 4,600 views as of this writing, Jen (@ashotofjenn) breaks down your potential savings if you eat at Walmart.
In the TikTok, Jen says that feeding a family of four during a road trip can end up being expensive.
“Here’s an underrated hack for getting food while you are on a road trip,” Jen begins.
She says it can cost upwards of $40 per meal for her family to eat at Chick-fil-A. That’s why they went to Walmart instead.
Jen says eating at Walmart’s deli ended up being half the price.
“We got 16 barbecue boneless wings, two chicken tenders, two things of ranch, and two energy drinks for less than $18,” Jen says.
“They also have sides,” she continues. “So, I know that you can get, like, a small side of potato wedges for only $1.”
Jen also believes a perk of Walmart is that they have clean bathrooms to use, making them a great rest stop option.
“They have bathrooms that are usually pretty clean, so it’s literally a win-win when you’re on a road trip,” she says. “There’s Walmarts everywhere. Plus, if you need anything else, it’s Walmart. They have it.”
While fast food is typically the first thought when making a food stop on a road trip, Jen is making a strong case to switch it up to a Walmart.
“So instead of spending 40-plus dollars at a fast food restaurant, you can get the same food at the Walmart deli,” she concludes.
Taking bathroom breaks is almost a given while being on a road trip. Finding a clean bathroom can sometimes feel like an entire mission, depending on where you go.
However, there are places that take pride in having clean bathrooms.
According to Road Trip Locals, these places have the cleanest bathrooms:
It also bears mention that you can read reviews of bathrooms at rest stops on Google Maps. To use it, open the app and search for “rest stop” or “gas station” and check out recent reviews. Previous travelers often mention the state of bathrooms, particularly if they’re unsanitary.
Every traveler has their road trip go-tos. While many will opt for snacks like trail mix or beef jerky, sometimes you just have to get a hot meal.
In that situation, it can be difficult to figure out where to stretch your dollar the furthest. Unfortunately, most fast food restaurants are going to cost about $10 per person, per a recent Business Insider article.
Some people make their own meals to avoid shelling out $10/person/meal. This can save you money and be a healthier option than burgers and fries.
Others, like Jen, may opt for nontraditional food options, like Walmart.
Viewers took to the comments section to commend this recommendation on how to save money on road trips.
“This is actually a really great idea!! We’re always trying to figure out where to stop on a road trip,” one TikTok commenter said.
“I like this! Big money saver!” another commented.
“*Goes on google* Walmart on my route,” a third added.
While other viewers praised the quality and price of the Walmart deli section.
“I love Walmart’s deli section,” one commented.
“The Walmart deli was our best friend when we were homeless,” another shared.
However, some had some doubts about the Walmart bathrooms being clean.
“When have Walmart’s bathrooms ever been clean? They are always a mess and the toilets are always nasty,” one said.
“Go to a Walmart in a nice neighborhood. It’s drastically different,” another replied.
Motor1 has contacted Jen via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. This story will be updated if she replies.
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