My top tips to road-trip on a budget! PART ONE
I go on a lot of road-trips, it is literally my job to make videos about road-trip products. I also love to save money, so here are my best tips to make your road-trip DIRT CHEAP!!
- Plan Ahead: Outline your route, accommodations, and stops in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- You will want to know how you’re sleeping (hotel, tent, crash at someone’s house) ahead of time. Book those accommodations ahead of time so they aren’t filled up when you get there
- Pack as much meals and snacks as you can. Bringing snacks and drinks from home obviously saves a lot of money because they are not cheap at gas stations
- I literally have a small plastic tub that I fill up and call “the snack bin” and keep it within reach while we’re driving
- Plan out some easy meals you can cook or have pre-made like sandwiches, hot dogs, or other campfire meals
- Keep in mind where you’re staying when planning meals. If you can only cook over a fire plan accordingly. If you ’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, obviously your meals will be a little easier to plan for and to cook
- Car pool if you can. Going with friends cuts down the cost of literally everything from food, gas, and accommodations. Plus it’s more people to share the drive time with!
- Pick a vehicle that’s better on gas if possible, check your tires, and make sure you get all your maintenance done ahead of time! We always take our Prius and it saves us so much money on gas
- Be Flexible on Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel plans to take advantage of lower prices by going during off-seasons or weekdays
Hope these help! Make sure to check out part 2!
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Taking a road trip doesn't have to empty your wallet. After many miles on the open road, I've picked up some fantastic tricks to keep costs down while still having an unforgettable adventure. Beyond the basic planning, let's dive deeper into how to truly maximize your savings, especially when it comes to sleeping, eating, and even finding free fun along the way. My personal go-to for saving on sleep is often dispersed camping. Sites like iOverlander or FreeCampsites.net are lifesavers for finding free spots in national forests or BLM land. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of dense forests and towering mountains without paying a dime! Another trick I've learned is utilizing store parking lots for overnight stays, like Walmart or some truck stops – always check their policies first though, as they can vary. It's not glamorous, but it's free and surprisingly safe for a night when you're just passing through. If you're into social travel, Couchsurfing can connect you with locals offering a free place to stay, giving you an authentic experience on a shoestring budget. When it comes to food, beyond packing a "snack bin," I always plan easy, no-cook or minimal-cook meals. Wraps with hummus and veggies, pasta salads, or hearty sandwiches are my staples. For cooking, a simple portable stove and a single pot can open up so many options beyond just campfire meals, perfect for making hot breakfasts or quick dinners at campsites. I make it a game to find local farmer's markets or discount grocers in towns I pass through – fresh produce for less! My golden rule is: if I can avoid eating out, I do. Those restaurant bills add up faster than you'd think, especially if you're trying to keep things cheap. Gas is often the biggest expense, so every saving counts. While having a fuel-efficient vehicle, perhaps even a trusty SUV like the one I sometimes take, is a great start, how you drive makes a huge difference. Smooth acceleration and gentle braking, maintaining a steady speed (cruise control is your friend!), and avoiding excessive idling can significantly stretch your fuel budget. I always use apps like GasBuddy to pinpoint the cheapest gas stations along my route. A little planning here can save you a surprising amount over a long trip, letting you put those savings towards another adventure. Lastly, road trips aren't just about the destination; they're about the journey and the experiences along the way! I always look for free attractions. Many national parks offer fee-free days, or an America the Beautiful pass pays for itself quickly if you visit a few. Hiking in those lovely dense forest and mountain ranges is almost always free and offers incredible views. Local libraries often have free events or offer temporary visitor cards for e-books/audiobooks, perfect for long drives. Packing a deck of cards, a frisbee, or a good book provides endless cheap entertainment. Sometimes, the best memories are made just pulling over at a scenic overlook with your companion and soaking it all in.