How to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip

There’s nothing like a summer road trip. They’re big on experience, easy on your budget and a great way to explore the country. The cost of a road trip often depends on how well you’ve researched and planned ahead. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend escape or a big summer adventure, use these ten tips to limit the cost of your road trip while maximizing the fun.

Best ways to save money on a road trip

Although taking off with no plan might sound exciting, it’s not the best way to cut costs. A more strategic approach could help you save money on your road trip and make the most out of each day of your getaway. Here are some road trip money saving tips as you prepare to set off:

1. Map your route – If you know where you’ll be each day and night, you’re less likely to be caught off guard by surprise expenses. But planning every detail doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous; it just gives you a solid starting point. Google Maps and Waze allow you to plug in multiple destinations and stops so you can get a full picture of your route and options along the way.

2. Find low-cost lodging – To find the best lodging for the lowest price, it pays to research your options. Staying with relatives or friends, comparing hotel vs. home rental prices and browsing hospitality exchange networks are all economically smart choices for lowering the cost of a road trip. For cheaper rates, stay away from hotels in large city centers or near popular attractions.

3. Consider camping – Campsites can be very low cost or even free. Find a spot to camp out for a night on sites like Recreation.gov and freecampsite.net. If you want to camp full time, consider an RV rental company like Cruise America or Outdoorsy.

4. Search for low fuel prices – Gas could be one of the highest expenses of your trip, especially if you’re planning to travel via RV. If you’re filling up your tank every time you stop, saving 20 cents per gallon could result in substantial savings. Research gas prices to find the cheapest options. Platforms like GasBuddy provide updates throughout the day with the lowest fuel prices in your area and offer a Trip Cost Calculator, which could help you get an idea of your total fuel costs. You can also check for credit cards or store membership cards that allow you to get deals on gas.

5. Pack a cooler – Load up a cooler with drinks, sandwiches and snacks. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of grocery store prices that are typically much cheaper than what you’d pay at a gas station. Plus, you’ll be prepared for an impromptu picnic.

6. Stock up on the essentials – If you put thought into exactly what you need to pack, you could save money on your road trip. Pack your own towels and sunscreen to avoid paying for them once you reach your destination. You can also buy or create an emergency kit to be prepared for any unforeseen problems.

7. Book in advance – Once you have some idea of where you want to stay and what you want to do, make some early reservations in order to ensure you get the tickets you want and avoid paying a premium for last-minute bookings.

8. Prep your vehicle – Your vehicle should be in prime working condition before you hit the road. By completing preventative maintenance in advance like getting an oil change and checking your tire pressure, you could avoid mechanical problems and save money on your road trip.

9. Save money while you drive – Plan to limit the use of air conditioning, use cruise control and map your trip to dodge expensive toll roads. All of these easily avoidable expenses can help cut the cost of a road trip.

10. Come prepared if you’re bringing a pet – Pack up all the pet supplies you normally need on a daily basis. You don’t want to run out and have to spend money on a new leash or extra treats when you’ve already got perfectly good stuff at home.

Let’s drive

As with most vacations, cutting costs of a road trip is possible with a little research and preparation. Once you’ve got your master plan in place, you’ll be set up for the kind of fun, adventure and togetherness you can only find on a road trip.

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This article has been updated from a previous posting on July 8, 2021. Kia Jackson contributed.