My top tips to road-trip on a budget! PART TWO
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!!
- Look for Budget friendly Accommodations. Camping at free campsites is my favorite way to do that, you can road-trip to visit people you know and stay with them, and I always look for budget friendly hotels, and if they have breakfast, that’s a huge bonus.
- If you don’t want to camp you can compare cheap hotels and airbnbs. Renting a bedroom from someone can usually be pretty cheap but sometimes it’s worth it to get a hotel because of other amenities that might be included like a pool or free breakfast
- Plan free or cheap Activities: Research ahead of time the things you want to do. You can find lots of free attractions, parks, and events at your destinations or along the way. You can also look for coupons or book them ahead of time to save some money.
- Hiking is one of our favorite things to do on Roadtrips and I will often plan Roadtrips around hikes I’m that I want to do, which is a completely free activity
- My favorite way to make a road-trip cheap is by doing dispersed camping, which is just camping at free campsites that usually don’t have amenities. My favorite website for finding free campsites is freecampsites.net (That is literally like my top tip!)
- Another useful app to find free places to stay is the iovlerander app, it’s very similar to free campsites.
- To help find the best gas station I use the Gasbuddy or Upside apps to compare prices and get a little bit of cash back
- You can also get apps for restaurants you want to stop at, McDonald’s is a great one one with lots of deals to make your meals cheaper.
- If you’re looking for cheap places to shower because you’re camping my favorite place to do that is at truck stops. These showers are usually kept super clean, they’re nice and private, and include all the wash clothes and towels you may need for a really good price. Pilot and Love truck stops are two of my favorites with really nice showers.
- If you’re going to multiple National Parks look into the parks pass. It’s $80 and gets you into all the national parks for free and lasts a whole year. We did this for our big Utah trip and after 3 parks it paid for itself
Hope this helps for your next road-trip!
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Okay, fellow adventurers, you've got the budget hacks down, but let's talk about making those road trips actually enjoyable when you're traveling with family or a group. It's one thing to save money, it's another to maintain sanity! I've learned a ton about family logistics on the road, especially when tackling epic destinations like canyons or finding those perfect people-friendly spots. First off, packing smart for the whole crew is a game-changer. Beyond clothes, think about a dedicated 'snack bag' accessible to everyone, filled with non-perishable favorites. A small cooler for drinks and fresh fruit is also a lifesaver. For entertainment, mix it up: download audiobooks or podcasts everyone can enjoy, create a road trip playlist, and pack a few small, screen-free games. Don't forget a 'surprise bag' with new small toys or books for when boredom strikes! Keeping the car organized with designated bins for trash, toys, and personal items makes a huge difference. Trust me, a tidy car equals a happier journey. When it comes to canyons and national parks, my absolute favorite way to explore with family is to embrace the visitor centers first. They often have interactive exhibits, ranger talks, and maps highlighting kid-friendly trails or viewpoints. Look into Junior Ranger programs – they're fantastic for engaging kids and they get a cool badge! For places like the Grand Canyon, planning easy, shorter hikes with plenty of water and shade is crucial. Always check weather conditions and trail difficulty beforehand. Finding those 'people-friendly places' extends beyond just attractions; it means seeking out parks with good playgrounds for energy release, picnic areas for budget-friendly lunches, and short, scenic nature walks that aren't too strenuous for little legs. Freecampsites.net and the iOverlander app, which were mentioned in the original article, are also great for finding family-friendly stops with space to stretch out, not just for sleeping. Remember, flexibility is your best friend. While planning ahead saves money, don't over-schedule. Kids, and even adults, need downtime. Sometimes the best memories are made at an unexpected roadside attraction or when you spontaneously decide to spend an extra hour at a scenic overlook. Building in buffer time between destinations prevents meltdowns (from everyone!). And for those moments when you need a clean up, those truck stop showers are not just for a solo traveler! They can be a godsend for families too, offering private, clean facilities when you've been roughing it or just need a refresh before a long drive. By focusing on good logistical planning, knowing how to approach incredible natural wonders like canyons with family in mind, and always hunting for those welcoming, budget-friendly spots, your road trip will be not just cheap, but truly memorable for everyone involved. Happy travels!
