Thinking of hitting the open road this year? You're not the only one. More than three-quarters of Americans are planning to head out on at least one road trip this summer, according to one survey.1 And it's no wonder: Not only do road trips let you skip airport security lines, but with proper budgeting, they can also be a great option for your wallet.
Still, the costs of traveling by car can add up fast. You'll need to fuel up every few hundred miles, find a way to feed yourself a few times a day, and pay for accommodations along the way. Then there are the unexpected costs—what if you get a flat tire?
Follow these money-saving tips as you navigate America's highways this year.
1. Plan (Most of) Your Route
The best road trips often involve spur-of-the-moment excursions. You might come across a roadside attraction or see something on the map 20 miles away that you want to check out. So it's understandable that you might not want to plan every hour and mile of your trip ahead of time. But keep in mind that sketching out potential routes—and even booking ahead—can help your budget and your sanity.
Charting a course can help you estimate mileage and gas expenses, helping you save before you even leave the driveway. Not only will you be able to pinpoint budget-friendly restaurants, gas stations and lodging along your route, but having a rough plan can also allow you to spend more time enjoying your trip without the stress of getting lost along the way or having to spend big on the last hotel room in town.
2. Set Goals for the Trip
There are different types of road trips, so know ahead of time what you want to achieve from this trip. Are you searching for adventure? Are you eating your way across the country? Are you planning to relax poolside at hotels along the way?
To stay on budget, determine what is important for your trip and cut back on expenses elsewhere. If you plan to pay extra for Michelin-starred dinners, consider cutting down on lodging costs by packing the family tent and finding a local campsite along the way. The National Park Service manages campgrounds in parks across the country, many of which offer showers and other services—not to mention views that can't be beaten.
3. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks
Dust off the cooler and ice packs in your basement and put them in the trunk of your car before you go. Even if dining at restaurants is one of your must-haves for the trip, you never know when you might need a midday snack.
Packing breakfast (think yogurt and fixings or instant oatmeal) is also a pro move. Not only does it save you money, but eating while you're getting ready saves time as well, so you can get on the road sooner rather than lingering over a mediocre morning meal at your hotel.
If you're organized, you can find accommodations with a freezer every two or three days to keep the ice packs frozen and the cooler in tip-top shape. As for beverages, bring a bunch of water bottles and fill them each morning before you hit the road, and do the same with a travel mug or thermos and hotel coffee. Have you seen how much a cup of coffee costs these days?
To help you stay on budget while also saving time for the things you enjoy most, consider bringing grocery staples and shopping on the road. There are many, many smart packing lists for food available online. Tailor your list to what your family or friends like—and don't forget the snacks.
4. Understand Your Limits
Before you step on the gas, take a moment to consider your limits and those of your fellow travelers. You may be able to drive 24/7 or sleep in the cramped back seat, but can everyone on your trip do the same? And is that even fun? Ask yourself these questions to start:
- • How many hours can I reasonably drive in one day?
- • What time do I plan on waking up each morning? What about falling asleep?
- • If I camp, will I be comfortable in a tent each night?
- • Am I traveling with others? If so, what are their limits?
Having answers to these questions can make your trip run smoother. You can also save yourself from unexpected expenses, such as checking into a hotel if your kid can't get to sleep at your perfectly good campsite.
5. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Your road trip itinerary likely doesn't include “flat tire at 10 a.m.," but unexpected events and costs on a road trip shouldn't surprise you—or your wallet. Include a small emergency fund in your travel budget so you don't end up with unexpected debt or the inability to pay for something essential.
You might also want to learn the basics of car maintenance because towing and roadside assistance in an unknown place can include hefty price tags. Know where your vehicle's manuals and maintenance records are, and prepare your vehicle ahead of your trip. If you rent a car, make sure any hiccups will be covered by insurance, either through the rental car agency or your credit card. And look into roadside assistance programs—a small fee in advance could save you big bucks if something bad happens.
6. Befriend the Locals
Undoubtedly, a local will know their area better than someone passing through. Locals—including restaurant staff, hotel concierges and gas station clerks—may be able to point you toward budget-friendly attractions or other hidden gems. Of course, make sure to travel safely, and don't get yourself into an uncomfortable situation.
If talking to the locals in person isn't part of your ideal road trip, there are plenty of ways to find recommendations online. Ask friends and colleagues, search social media or look for travel forums on popular sites to get tips from people who've been there.
7. Embrace Nature
There's so much to explore in the great outdoors, and it often comes with little to no cost. National parks make a fantastic road trip goal and offer plenty to do and see, but there are also many lower-key options that are just as spectacular.
Search out local hiking trails and nature centers along your route and at your destination, and come up with fun challenges to keep things interesting—like listing how many animal species you spot or using an app to identify weird-looking plants. Just remember the key rules: Pack plenty of snacks and water, protect yourself from the sun, keep your distance from wildlife, know your route and leave no trace.
8. Find Joy in Freebies
Some road trip costs are unavoidable, but there's no reason you have to pay (or at least, pay much) for activities. Look for local sights, events and must-dos that are free or by donation and you'll find easy ways to stick to your budget while having plenty of fun. For instance, many municipalities run summer programs for locals that are also open to visitors. And you never know what quirky local festivals you'll find along the way that offer a much more genuine travel experience than amusement parks and waterslides.
9. Be Fuel Efficient
If you own multiple vehicles, road-tripping in the more fuel-efficient option can make a big dent in your gas bill. Also, try tricks for boosting your mileage, like keeping your tires properly inflated, keeping your speed down, accelerating and decelerating gently and reducing how much weight you're carrying.2 (You don't need that many shoes for a weekend trip, do you?) If your foot leans toward the lead, consider sticking to cruise control to maintain a steady, fuel-efficient speed.
And if you're lucky enough to be driving an EV—charging is cheaper than pumping gas, after all—use your favorite app to find accommodations that offer free charging. Not only will it save you money, but you'll be all juiced up and ready to get on the road in the morning with no delays. If you're camping, book an electric site (and make sure you have the right adapter) and you can plug in right at your campground. How's that for luxury?
10. Go Digital
Before your next trip, take a scroll through your app store and download travel-friendly apps. Some apps can help you connect with travel communities worldwide, help you find the cheapest gas in the area or even help you find an inexpensive last-minute place to stay.
Also, check your maps app for ways to search for and bookmark various sites and attractions. Try searching for hikes, campgrounds or coffee shops, and plenty of local options will appear, often with ratings from fellow travelers. Bookmarking favorite places you've visited can come in handy on your return trip—or your next outing.
Go the Distance!
Road trips build fantastic summer memories, and they're even better when you make them happen without overspending. With a little planning and some smart decision-making, you can plan a budget-friendly road trip that's unforgettable. Need more ideas? Read these 12 tips to travel on a budget as prices soar.
Kat Tancock's top road-trip stops—so far—have included an amethyst mine, a prairie dog colony and the world's largest moose. She enjoys the thrill of the hunt for each town's best coffee shop.
Sources/references
1. https://thevacationer.com/summer-travel-survey-2024/#Will_you_take_a_road_trip_this_summer
2. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a39504408/how-to-improve-your-vehicles-gas-mileage/
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