Finances play a big part in how much you enjoy a road trip. Expenses can rack up quickly, from refueling to snacks to car repairs to emergencies. So, how do you plan a budget road trip without breaking the bank? Try these road trip savings tips that have helped me on my journeys.
1. Choose an affordable road trip route
Not all roads are created equal. Some have tolls, others have potholes, and others still have ongoing construction or maintenance work. All these factors affect your road trip savings, so do your research and find the most cost-effective route. Learn about your main route as well as detours or alternative roads that still lead you to your final destination. You may make some road trip savings this way.
2. Estimate your fuel consumption
There are a few steps to follow when calculating your fuel consumption for a road trip. First, know your car’s fuel efficiency rating, which estimates your miles per gallon (MPG). You can find this online or in your owner’s manual. Then, check the road trip’s estimated distance on a map app or navigation system. Divide your MPG by the distance to see how much fuel you’ll need.
Of course, your actual fuel consumption will depend on other factors too, like if there’s heavy traffic enroute, or if you’re driving uphill or downhill, speeding or idling. Budget for a few extra gallons of fuel to accommodate these driving conditions.
3. Pack only what you need
In my experience, there are two main kinds of road-trippers: the carry-everything-in-case-you’ll-need-it traveler, and the get-what-you-need-on-the-way traveler. Both styles of travel can actually negatively impact your road trip budget. If you carry more than you need, the extra weight drives up your fuel consumption. And if you plan to buy items on the road, price differences and impulse buys will hit your budget.
The best way is to pack wisely: start with a road trip packing list so you won’t forget anything important, and go for versatile clothes that work in most weather conditions. Use a vacuum sealer to pack your items down to make more space in your suitcase or backpack. Load the heaviest items at the bottom of the trunk and as close to the center of your car as possible to distribute weight. Avoid packing items on the car roof; this can increase wind resistance, making your vehicle work harder and use more fuel.
4. Consider different accommodations by price
Camping is probably the cheapest accommodation for a road trip, but it comes with a higher initial cost for camping gear. You can borrow gear from friends or look for rentals near your destination.
RV parks are also pocket-friendly, especially during shoulder seasons. Prices generally depend on your vehicle type and the amenities available on the site. If you prefer a motel or hotel, you can find deals if you book well in advance and during low-peak travel seasons.
5. Plan your road trip meals
Other than fuel, another quick way to drain your road trip budget is to spend too much on food. I’ve shared some ideas for healthy road trip snacks that need very little prep work. For example, you can just peel and portion fresh fruit and veggies, portion some sandwiches, and save the candy for when you need an energy boost.
You can also save plenty on your food budget by topping up your supplies at local grocery stores and farmers markets. Even better, carry a portable stove with you to prepare your meals on the road. Then, find local eateries and food trucks to enjoy authentic dishes worth every penny.
6. Go for free and low-cost attractions and entertainments
National parks, cultural sites, and museums often charge entry fees, so add these to your road trip budget. However, you can also look out for events and hangouts with free admission or ask locals to guide you to beaches, hiking trails, or other adventures that you can enjoy for free. Remember to account for parking fees when you plan your road trip activities.
7. Budget for contingencies, too
When you set money aside for emergencies like car repairs or medical issues, you’ll have so much peace of mind when you head out onyour road trip. It means that whatever happens, you have some backup to help you recover and get back on the road. The rule of thumb is to have 10% of your total road trip budget for emergencies, but increase it to 15% or 20% if you’re going off-road or expect challenges on the way.
8. Travel with friends
A solo road trip can cost more than if you’re traveling with a friend and sharing expenses. You can split the cost of fuel, food, and accommodation, so you’re only left with individual expenses like souvenirs and treats. Also, you can take advantage of group tours and discounts for activities like hiking, wine tastings, hot air balloon rides, etc. The challenge, however, is finding travel partners with similar interests and communication styles. I’ll write a post about how to find your ideal road trip partner, so watch this space!
9. Use travel apps for savings
Lots of travel apps are available to help you save money on a road trip, e.g., Splitwise for group travel, PocketGuard to figure out your disposable income, and Tripcoin which works offline, so you can keep track of your road trip budget if you’re heading to remote areas. There’s also GasBuddy to save money at the pump, HotelTonight for quick bookings, and Klook for the best-priced activities and attractions on your journey.
10. Flexibility can save you money
Keep an open mind when planning your road trip: consider changing the dates to off-peak seasons, changing routes and destinations, or even opting for a different vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle instead of a car. If you’re willing to explore alternatives, you can find more affordable activities and destinations that save you money in the end.
Looking for road trip ideas? How about 100 to start you off? 100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America.
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100 Road Trips 