The Cost of a Trip from Canterbury, NH to Gilford, NH: A Breakdown of Routes and Expenses
If you're planning a trip from Canterbury, NH to Gilford, NH, it's essential to be aware of the various travel options available – and the associated costs. With gas prices at their highest levels since 2014, it's more critical than ever to plan out your route and spending beforehand to ensure that your trip remains affordable.
Route Options
There are three main routes available for travel between Canterbury and Gilford:
Route 106
Distance: 23 miles Time: 32 minutes
Route 106 is the most direct route, taking you from Canterbury to Belmont and Laconia before reaching Gilford. The distance is shorter than the other available routes, but it does require significant highway driving.
Route 106 to Route 140
Distance: 25 miles Time: 34 minutes
Following route 106 for the first 13 miles will take you to Loudon, where you'll then take a right on to Route 140. This route will take you through Belmont, Lake Winnisquam, and finally, to Gilford.
Route 107 to Route 3
Distance: 26 miles Time: 37 minutes
Taking Route 107 to Route 3 is the longest route but also the one with the most sightseeing opportunities. You'll travel through Canterbury, Northfield, and Tilton before reaching Laconia and Gilford.
Fuel Expenses
Suppose you plan on driving a standard four-door sedan with a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons. In that case, you'll need to know the fuel prices in the Canterbury and Gilford areas to determine your total fuel expenses. Here are the average fuel prices in both towns:
Canterbury: $3.02 per gallon Gilford: $3.04 per gallon
With these figures in mind, you'll spend approximately $42 on gasoline for a one-way trip. For a round trip, the total cost equals roughly $84. However, you can lower your fuel expenses by driving a fuel-efficient vehicle or by following a more scenic route.
Additional Expenses
When it comes to travel expenses, gasoline is only one factor – there are several other expenses to consider. Here are some other costs you should keep in mind when making your travel plans:
Lodging
If you're planning to stay in Gilford for a night or two, it's essential to consider your lodging expenses. The average price for a room in Gilford hotels ranges from $92 to $295 per night, depending on the level of luxury and services provided.
Food
When traveling from Canterbury, NH, to Gilford, NH, it's necessary to factor in food costs. You can estimate your food expenses based on meal prices in Gilford, NH.
Here is a breakdown of dining expenses in Gilford, NH:
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal: $10.63
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal: $42.50
- Fast Food Meal: $7.00
Attractions
If you plan on visiting nearby attractions in Gilford, you'll need to budget for admission fees or parking costs.
Attractions Costs:
- Gunstock Mountain Resort Ski Lift: $35.00
- Beans and Greens Farm: Free
- Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion: $30.00 upwards
Which Route is the Best?
After reviewing these options and costs, it's apparent that Route 106 is the most affordable route to Gilford when considering fuel, food, and lodging expenses. Although it's just two miles shorter than Route 106 to Route 140, it saves you around $2 in gas expenses.
Moreover, the 32 minutes duration makes this route the quickest option and the least stressful, as you won't experience significant traffic delays. If you're comfortable taking a longer route, consider Route 107 to Route 3, which offers beautiful views as you travel through towns like Tilton and Northfield.
Conclusion
Taking a road trip from Canterbury to Gilford can be budget-friendly with proper planning. While the cost of gas will undoubtedly be a significant expense on your trip, following Route 106 is the most affordable route, followed by Route 107 to Route 3 due to the sightseeing opportunities. You can limit food expenses by packing snacks or less-expensive food items. Ultimately, your travel choices make a significant difference in the overall cost of your trip.