It always ends up costing a lot more than I plan or budget for
Hotel Rooms with a fridge/stove are pricey but well worth it. Definitely packing food/water in a large cooler will save $$$
Budget for the unexpected: Gas costing more than you planned out of state, unexpected parking fees, extra meals at restaurants because of scheduling delays, the "gotta have" T-Shirt or Hat, even an extra day of motel fees due to rainouts etc