How To Road Trip on a Budget: 32 Money-Saving Tips

Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Tyler

Going on a road trip can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be costly. I just recently came back from a week-long road trip and it was a lot of fun! Though, what made it even better was being able to budget effectively.

Being able to have more money to do more activities or to even extend the length of the trip is ideal. Using some of the tips on this post is what helped me save the most money on my previous trip.

There’s something undeniably alluring about the open road, the promise of adventure around every bend, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Road trips have long been a cherished way to travel, offering a unique opportunity to create lasting memories without the constraints of a fixed itinerary.

This comprehensive guide will show you how to plan and embark on an unforgettable road trip experience that won’t break the bank. From savvy money-saving tips to innovative ways to cut costs, we’ll help you turn your road trip dreams into a budget-friendly reality. So, buckle up, roll down the windows, and let the journey begin!

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I’m not sponsored by any of these companies. These are the resources I use for road tripping on a budget.

This is the first step when beginning to plan any type of trip especially when you’re on a budget. The factors that come to mind are: “How much can I afford to spend? Where do I start? I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford the trip!” Are questions that come to mind when you are in this phase. On this part of this guide, I’ll break down how to approach this.

The first task to start doing when planning a road trip is checking your bank account or checking how much cash you have. There are a few factors that might determine whether you have enough money or not and the biggest factor, of course, are your bills.

If you have a lot of bills to pay for and you can’t afford to go on a road trip, it’s time to start a road trip savings. A recommendation coming from me is put the savings in a savings account that is separate to where you keep all your money like another bank account.

When you finally get to this part, you can decide how to break down your income into different categories for your upcoming trip! There are different categories to where your money will go when you are on a road-trip, and we’ll break it down below.

This singlehandedly might be the most expensive expense for a road trip, which that mostly depends on whether you are using your own vehicle or renting one out. If you are using your own vehicle then all you need to worry about is paying for gas, which is cheaper than renting because of the rental car and extra rental fees included.

If you need to rent out a vehicle like I had to do, then don’t worry! You will just have to save up more money for your trip, like what was mentioned earlier about the savings account. Save up extra money throughout time. Check out some quotes online for rental cars! One of my favorite websites for rental cars is Priceline.

Once you get an idea for how much a rental is going to cost, you should also remember you will have to pay a security deposit on top of the rental car fee. When you figure out what rental cars you are interested in, check how much the security deposit is for that rental car company.

The cost of a rental car can add up and be expensive. If you can find someone else to road trip with, it can help a lot. Splitting between another person or a group can lower the total cost coming out of your pocket. If you need extra money for your trip, I recommend doing this. If you’re unable to find someone else, then just give yourself more time for your trip and save money for a little longer.

For this budget section you will need to save up for where you’re going to sleep. You don’t need to break the bank to sleep. There are a lot of cheaper alternatives. To start, camping can be more affordable. You can find free camping land in certain areas. You can also sleep at paid campgrounds for a small fee.

Another alternative will be sleeping in an affordable hotel, hostel or motel. When sleeping at an affordable hotel, hostel or motel, make sure it’s not in a high crime area. Check the crime rate beforehand.

This depends on the length of your road trip, but for an example, I’ll say one week. It’s possible to spend as low as $300-$500 or even cheaper! For an entire one-week road trip of accommodation costs.

This is another expense that can add up quickly. The factor for this is the vehicle you’re using for your trip. If you are renting out a car, it’s most likely going to be a modern car. Modern cars are improving each year in gas efficiency. It’s possible to spend less than $200 of gas money a week for a road trip. Just remember it depends on the distance, the vehicle’s MPG, and if you’re splitting cost!

If you are using your own vehicle, then you will know better about how often you will need to fill up. If your vehicle eats up a lot of gas, you will need to save up extra money for gas. While this could be a more cost-effective option, you don’t need to pay for rental car fees and can save a little bit more money for food and gas. I would try this if this was an option for you.

Compact cars are usually going to be the cheapest type of rental cars you are going to find, but yet again, the biggest factor is the location you are renting out from and their availability.

This is something that may seem cheap at first, then it can slowly add up a lot throughout your trip. You have options when it comes to food. You can either pack and bring food from home, go grocery shopping, or eat out at restaurants during the trip. If you are on a budget, then I would recommend going to the grocery store and buying food from there.

We are not totally opposed to eating out, but just make sure to bring more of your own food so you don’t have to eat out as much. Also not spending less than $10, for an example, eating out each time can go a long way. Try to purchase food that is going to fill you up.

For a one-week trip, I would recommend around $50-$100 for eating out if you brought your own food from home or grocery store.

If you decide to bring food from home and have enough food to fill you up throughout the trip, you will save a good chunk of money for other expenses. This is the cheapest way to go.

If you need to go grocery shopping, don’t worry! This can potentially save you more money than eating out every day of your trip. Remember to buy food that will last you throughout the trip and will fill you up.

When saving for food for a one-week trip, for an example, could cost you between $100-$200. It’s totally possible to do it with less than $100 for a week, but just to be safe, you can add an extra $100 just in case you run out of food and need to buy more.

The last category for when it comes to planning your budget is the attractions you decide to go to on your road trip. If you are planning to see National Parks, I would recommend on buying the annual pass for National Parks. This can save you money in the long run especially if you go to National Parks frequently.

Plan on the attractions you want to see. Check out how much they cost online then add up the cost. Once you add up the cost, you will know how much you will need to spend. Remember to save money for parking. Here, you can check out how much parking will cost you and come up with how much you are going to need to spend.

Try to go to free attractions and free parking to save the most money on the trip, but if there are places you need to pay follow these steps to get an idea about your budget. It’s possible to spend less than $50 a week on attractions if you are going to free attractions or one with affordable fees.

It depends on how much the total is when you calculated your cost for attractions so you will have a better idea, but always remember to bring a little bit more than expected to be safe. If you have the option to do more, you always have that option available. For one week $50-$100 is possible.

For each week of a road trip, $1000 is a safe enough budget to keep. If you are budgeting effectually, you can do this for even cheaper a week. Also splitting cost can reduce the total amount of expenses. If you have that option, make sure to try so you can save the most money.

For solo road trippers, you can save a total around $500-$1000+ a for a week for food, gas, accommodation, attractions, and parking. I understand it is possible to be cheaper, but this is a safe amount of money.

Another factor is the distance of the whole road trip because the farther you go, the more gas you will use. For multi travelers it’s possible to be safe with $300-$600 a week budgeting effectively and splitting. Just remember these numbers are just examples. Each trip will have their own total cost!

Money is usually the biggest factor that prevent people from road tripping. Just know it is possible to make this happen. Believe in yourself and start figuring out your total cost of your trip, break down each expense by category, add up the total and put that money in a savings account and keep contributing to that account every paycheck you receive. Start by saving 5-15% of each paycheck. Saving is what will make your road trip possible.

Planning Out Your Route

Before hitting the road, plan out your route and itinerary. Doing this can help you save money. Having a route planned out can help you decide how much money you will need for gas and how often you need to fill up. Use websites like Google Maps or Roadtrippers to map out your route and calculate your fuel costs.

When road tripping on a budget the total miles of the trip is what adds up the cost. If you decide to go a shorter distance, you will save money overall on gas and have more money for food and attractions.

Create a route on one of those websites up above then take a screenshot to remember the route you decided to go on. An idea is to plan each stop as the place you are going to sleep that night.

When creating your route, consider how many hours you want to drive each day. By thinking in that mindset, you can drive to your limit, so you don’t easily exhaust yourself from driving. Keep all your route information on paper or on an online notepad to help you remember your route.

Food

Food can add up quickly when road tripping. If you decide to eat out each day try to choose the affordable options on the menu. Bring food from home, or grocery shop if you want to save the most money. The total cost of food can add up without you even realizing. It’s important to figure out the budget of how much you want to spend on food throughout your trip.

Highly recommend doing this as the most cost efficiently way of purchasing food when road tripping on a budget. It’s possible to get by with $100 worth of grocery food a week.

Getting the biggest pack of certain foods and snacks can last longer throughout the trip. There are also certain foods you might want to consider purchasing that can last throughout a road trip.

An option for what you could purchase is a pack of protein or granola bars. These can last awhile even if you eat two a day. Another idea is buying ingredients for a sandwich. If you enjoy sandwiches, you can create a quantity of different sandwiches within a week of traveling.

If you are not allergic, nuts are good snack food for road tripping, for an example walnuts would be a good purchase. Walnuts can come in big quantities. It’s possible to get them without the shells.

While those are great snack ideas remember you should mainly focus on getting food for meals. Choose your favorite meals so you are not only snacking during the trip. Meal foods can be cost effective and also last throughout a road trip.

If you can bring your own food from home, this is the best option yet. This will make your money go farther on a trip. You will be able to do more activities, if you can provide your own food from home already. Food I would recommend on bringing is, yogurt, fruit, sandwich bread, sandwich meats, trail mix, chips, pretzels, cheese sticks, and eggs are some ideas of foods you can bring from home.

Eating out can rack up money especially if you are eating at a restaurant compared to fast food. Eating out for every meal can be expensive. Save money by packing your own meals and snacks for the road. Invest in a cooler to keep perishables fresh, and stock up on affordable, non-perishable items like granola bars and fruit. When you do eat out, look for local diners or fast-food joints that offer budget-friendly options. Consider purchasing the cheaper alternatives when eating out.

Purchasing a portable grill can be so useful on the road. I mentioned eggs above and this is why. If you have a portable grill, you have even more options when it comes to food. This can be a cost-effective way to eat. There are endless ways of making eggs on a grill, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be eggs. My recommendation is to buy a portable grill if you don’t already have one. Here is the grill I own.

Go somewhere like Walmart and purchase your favorite foods you can cook! During your road trip, you will be saving money cooking your own food. Depending on the food, you can use the grill to warm up your food or certain gas stations have microwaves you can use.

This is the next key step for saving money. Bring your own or consider purchasing an ice chest. This will make your food last longer on a road trip. Even if you decide to eat out, you can put your leftovers in the ice chest, so money doesn’t have to be wasted throwing away leftovers.

The more leftovers you have means you don’t need to purchase more food. Ice can be inexpensive to buy from different grocery stores or gas stations. Keep buying ice daily to keep your food cold. Ice chest are also a good option for when your road trip in the summer for example and want to store some ice-cold water on you.

This is the biggest factor for making the road trip possible. This can also be arguably the most expensive part of a road trip. Depending if you need to rent a car or you can use your own can potentially cost a lot. You may be saving money using your own vehicle, but if you need to make repairs or if repairs appear while saving for a road-trip this can set you back. This happened to me unfortunately.

It’s hard to completely avoid the unpredictable, but the best way of approaching this is having an emergency savings for when problems arise. There is also a chance the problem costs more than what you already have saved. In that case, you may need to give it extra time to save more of your income.

If you have to rent out a rental car like I had to, then this can be a more affordable option or more expensive option depending on your scenario. For my situation, it was more affordable. The car I was driving costed more in repairs than an entire cost of the rental car. There are other situations where you don’t want to add miles on your vehicle, which is understandable!

A rental car is going to be your best bet. If you are 25 or older, it will be even better for you overall. When you are under 25 years old unfortunately you will have to pay a fee for renting a vehicle. It can be a daily fee that is added every day for when you have the car rented out.

Each company has different rules and policies of course. For anyone under 25 years old and has USAA, thankfully, you can get that fee waived. Remember to contact your rental car company anytime for more details about any questions you may have.

These car rental companies have this agreement with USAA as of right now. Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and Hertz. More information on the USAA website can be found. I personally have experience with this. That is a really good method for people who have USAA.

Another option is to decline the insurance option the car rental companies offer. Check out if your car insurance company offers rental car coverage. This can save you a lot of money because car rental companies charge quite a lot for their coverage. Depending on your car insurance this coverage only works in the United States. Contact your insurance company for any questions!

If you need help looking for rental cars these are some websites, we use Priceline, Skyscanner, Expedia, and KAYAK. It’s recommended to compare the cost between each website.

There are times people find a rental car online and reserve that rental then later on they find out there was cheaper options on another website. Compare each website and you will be fine. Remember economy cars are usually the cheapest cars you can rent.

Gas can easily add up the cost of a road trip. If your vehicle uses a lot of gas this can also add up. When you rent a car, you should be fine because most rental cars will be newer and if you decide to get a compact rental car the average MPG for a compact car is better than most cars. This isn’t a guarantee, just in my experience they have been the best cars for gas.

Either decide to rent a car or use your own vehicle regardless you need to save up gas money. Start saving a percentage of your income. If you are able to save 20%, you can split that 20% into smaller percentages for each category of a trip you want to save up for. Another option is to save for each category one at a time until you have enough. Either way is fine, just remember to create goals and figure out the best amount to save up to.

Gas prices can vary greatly depending on the location and time of year. Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route and plan your stops accordingly. This will save you from spending more on gas. Consider using discount programs like AAA and AARP to save money.

In addition to their well-known roadside assistance services, AAA and AARP offer a variety of member benefits that can help you save money on gas during your road trips.

With a AAA membership, you can access exclusive discounts at participating gas stations across the country, reducing the overall cost of fueling up. Similarly, AARP members can take advantage of fuel discounts through their partnership with the Fuel Rewards program at participating Shell stations.

By linking your AARP membership to your Fuel Rewards account, you’ll receive exclusive savings on gas purchases, making your road trip more budget friendly. These membership programs not only offer peace of mind through emergency roadside services, but also help you save on one of the most significant travel expenses – fuel.

Fuel expenses can quickly add up on a road trip. First, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained by regularly checking tire pressure, oil levels, and air filters, as a properly maintained car operates more efficiently and consumes less fuel.

Plan your route wisely by using GPS apps that identify the most fuel-efficient routes and avoid aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration or hard braking, which can increase fuel consumption.

Consider utilizing loyalty programs, credit cards with gas rewards, or membership discounts. Sign up for different gas station rewards. Sometimes it’s possible to get cheaper gas with gas station rewards. Here are different gas rewards that are worth signing up for. Shell, Fuel Rewards, 7-Eleven, and Love’s

After all this planning and budgeting you can go a long way. Anything is possible. Just remember the key to this is creating your own separate travel savings then over time after contributing money to your account the more money you will have available for your upcoming trip.

Accommodations

Accommodations can be a major expense on a road trip. Consider staying at budget-friendly options like campsites, hostels, or Airbnb rentals instead of expensive hotels. If you’re traveling with a group, consider splitting the cost of a rental house or hotel to save money. Here are more tips for saving money on accommodations.

Check out websites like Campendium to find affordable campsites. On this website you can adjust your budget to how much you want to spend per night camping. Dispersed camping will have free campgrounds to sleep at. These campsites have saved me a lot of money.

At this point it’s better to have your route already planned out before you get to this step. To start with check out the cost of hotels, motels and hostels where you desire to stop at. From my experience I’ve tend to notice that small towns that offer a variety of hotels usually have expensive nightly rates. It doesn’t hurt to check the rates. Remember to always compare the rates offered to you.

Here are some of the best websites to compare rates: Priceline Skyscanner, Google Travel, and Airbnb. After choosing your accommodation it’s time to start saving money. Sometimes you are able to pay for your accommodation when you check in instead of up front. This can be useful if you do not have enough money to pay up front. This also gives you a heads up for how much you need to spend.

Make sure to also check if you need to pay a security deposit or resort fee. These costs add up overtime so make sure to call and contact the company you decided to go with to see if there is any of these extra fees that might apply to you.

Car camping can ultimately be the most affordable way. There are many free places you can sleep in your car. This is my favorite method when road tripping. This can save you so much money than sleeping at a hotel.

I understand sometimes it’s better to sleep on a bed in a room, but if you are budgeting your trip, it’ll be a much more affordable option to car camp. This can be from sleeping in a van, or a compact car. I’ve seen it all. Just make sure you are sleeping in a safe area that parking overnight is allowed. Here is an example of the best places to car camp:

• Walmart Parking Lot
• Gas Stations
• Hospital Parking Lots
• Parks
• Rest Stops
• Cracker Barrel
• Truck Stops
• Casinos
• Campsites

Make sure to either call or talk to someone to get permission to sleep at some of these locations. Also make sure to check the signs around the area to see if overnight parking is allowed. You should be fine at rest stops, but for an example some states have laws for how long you can sleep in your car. Check the laws of each state you decide to sleep in.

The last thing that any car camper wants to avoid is the police or property owner knocking on your window while you are sleeping. Please be careful when you car camp! Make sure to inspect the area you decide to sleep in.

By implementing smart strategies like saving on gas, opting for a night in your car, or finding budget-friendly hotels, you can minimize expenses without sacrificing the joy of exploration.

Remember, the key to a successful and affordable road trip lies in careful planning and resourcefulness. With these cost-saving techniques in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to discovering hidden gems, creating unforgettable memories, and enjoying the open road.

If you decide to car camp, you will soon realize you don’t have an option to shower. What is recommended is to purchase a gym membership. I personally have a Planet Fitness membership. The classic membership is preferred if you are on a budget.

With this membership you have the option to use their showers and sinks. The bathrooms and showers are usually clean in my experience. A big recommendation is to buy or use your own flip flops or sandals in the shower.

With having a membership, you can also workout on your spare time and relax. Planet Fitness’s also have free Wi-Fi for members. I’ve witnessed people using their laptops at Planet Fitness to get task done. The other benefit is that there are many 24-hour locations you can visit! Remember hours can change during holidays.

Attractions

Finally, the main part of the road trip. The attractions you decide to see are the highlight of the entire trip. You always want to make sure to be aware of the attractions you desire to see. Not planning correctly can potentially be a struggle. Not having the attractions planned, you can be scrambling to find something to do while you are on the trip. Instead of scrambling for activities let’s see how we can be more effective.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun on a road trip. Research free or low-cost activities at your destination, such as hiking trails, museums, or local events. Take advantage of public parks and beaches for outdoor activities like swimming, picnicking, and fishing. And if you’re a student or a member of a AAA, check for discounts or free admission to attractions.

When figuring out which activities or where to go can be a struggle at first. There can be too many choices, or you just have no idea where to start. First of all, check out social media. Go on Instagram to get some ideas! On Instagram, you can get ideas for pictures and video that people upload to the app. This can be an inspiring way to decide what you want to see on your road trip.

Another website we use is TripAdvisor. On their website you can find things to do by interests. This has helped a lot for when finding activities due to the interest options. Click on the interests you desire to see and find what’s around you or somewhere that you can make a road trip with.

Another travel expense that adds up but can also be easy to budget. Maximize your road trip savings by skillfully cutting down on attraction costs and city parking fees. For affordable sightseeing, consider investing in city passes that bundle multiple attractions at discounted rates, and be on the lookout for free or reduced admission days.

To minimize parking expenses, research low-cost or free parking options near your destination, such as municipal lots, residential streets, or park-and-ride facilities.

Additionally, consider using public transportation or walking to attractions from your parking spot to avoid multiple parking fees. By employing these strategic methods, you’ll be able to experience the best of each city you visit during your road trip while keeping your travel budget intact.

Investing in unforgettable experiences is a crucial aspect of road trip adventures, and allocating a portion of your budget for attraction costs can significantly enhance your journey. Carefully select the attractions and activities that best align with your interests, whether it’s exploring national parks, touring historic landmarks, or immersing yourself in local cultural experiences.

Prioritize the attractions that offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and balance these experiences with free or budget-friendly alternatives. By thoughtfully planning your sightseeing budget, you’ll be able to create a memorable and enriching road trip experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the journey ends.

Traveling during the non-busy season can save you more money. Some attractions charge more for visitors during the busy seasons like spring and summer break. You can usually find more affordable prices for other travel expenses as well during the calm part of the year.

Purchasing bottled water while traveling can be both expensive and add up in costs. Save money and reduce your plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it at public water fountains, taps or even try gas stations.

Many gas stations have let me refill my water bottle with water for free. It is not a guarantee that every gas station will be free, but at most they will charge you a smaller fee than buying soda. It depends on the gas station and their rules. Here is the water bottle I use for when I am on the road.

Sharing the journey with friends or family not only makes the trip more enjoyable, but can also help you save money, if they’re willing to chip in. Splitting the cost of gas, accommodations, and other expenses can significantly reduce your overall budget, making your road trip more affordable.

Sharing a road trip with someone not only creates lasting memories but also offers numerous opportunities to save money. Splitting expenses like fuel, tolls, and parking fees can significantly reduce the overall cost of your journey.

Additionally, sharing accommodation expenses, such as hotel rooms or vacation rentals, allows you to stay in more comfortable lodgings without exceeding your budget. Traveling with a partner can also lead to shared meals and group discounts at various attractions, further lowering your travel costs.

Travel rewards involves leveraging credit card rewards, airline miles, and other loyalty programs to earn free or discounted travel. By strategically using travel rewards credit cards and taking advantage of promotions, you can save money on flights, hotels, and much more.

By strategically earning and redeeming points or miles, you can enjoy perks like free or discounted accommodations, rental car upgrades, exclusive discounts on attractions, and even cashback on purchases like gas and groceries.

Traveling during the non-busy season can save more money. Some attractions charge more for visitors during the busy seasons like spring and summer break. You can usually find more affordable prices for other travel expenses as well during the non-busy part of the year.

You’ll discover a more authentic and immersive travel experience. Taking advantage of lower accommodation rates, discounted attraction tickets, and less congested roads during the slow season can significantly stretch your travel budget.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic destinations and hidden gems in a more intimate and leisurely setting, creating unforgettable memories without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist periods. Embrace the serenity and allure of slow season road tripping for a unique and rewarding adventure.

By exploring nearby destinations, you can significantly reduce travel expenses such as gas, food, and accommodation, while still discovering hidden gems and captivating local attractions.

Short distance road trips allow you to make the most of your weekends or limited vacation time, as you can easily reach your chosen destination and immerse yourself in the experience without wasting time on extensive travel. Remember, sometimes the most unforgettable adventures lie just beyond your doorstep.

Steer clear of tolls and keep your road trip budget intact by employing navigation strategies. Utilizing toll-free routes can be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers, as avoiding these fees can substantially lower your overall travel expenses.

Equip yourself with the right tools, such as GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze, which offer settings to avoid toll roads when calculating your route.

By opting for scenic, off-the-beaten-path alternatives, you’ll not only save money but also discover lesser-known attractions and picturesque landscapes that can make your journey even more memorable. So, embrace the toll-free way and enjoy a cost-effective road trip that combines both adventure and frugality.

In conclusion, following a budget-friendly road trip is not only achievable but can also lead to some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences. By incorporating strategic planning, resourcefulness, and the money-saving tips shared throughout this blog post, you can explore the open road without emptying your wallet.

From minimizing fuel and accommodation costs to discovering affordable attractions and navigating toll-free routes! These practical strategies can help empower you to create an unforgettable journey that caters to your unique interests and budget. Stay safe traveling!