There’s nothing like a summer road trip—windows down, playlists queued up, and miles of open road ahead. But while the memories are priceless, the expenses can add up fast. From rising fuel costs to unexpected overnight stays, road travel can put a dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. The good news? With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can have an unforgettable adventure without overspending. Here are our favorite “road trip on a budget” hacks to help you save on gas, food, lodging, and more.
1. Save on Gas
Get a Pre-Trip Tune-Up
Before you hit the road, schedule a quick tune-up. A well-maintained car runs more efficiently and safely, especially over long distances. Ask your mechanic for a multi-point inspection, including the battery, brakes, fluid levels, and tires. Surprisingly, underinflated tires are a hidden fuel drain. Properly inflated tires mean less friction, and less friction means better gas mileage. So, make sure yours are filled to the recommended PSI before you drive off.
Drive Smart
Avoid rush hour traffic when you can, and use cruise control on highways to help maintain a steady, fuel-efficient speed. Use apps like Waze and Google Maps to help you reroute around heavy traffic or delays that could have you idling for longer than you’d like.
Use Gas Apps
Download a gas price app like GasBuddy to find the lowest fuel prices along your route and estimate the fuel costs for your trip. If you have a membership to Costco or a Fred Meyer card, check for discounts at their fuel stations too (just make sure the savings are worth the detour).
🚗 Travel Expert Tip: Enroll in a roadside assistance membership through your insurance provider or a third party, like AAA or Better World Club, to give yourself peace of mind on the road. In addition to helping with breakdowns, battery issues, and flat tires, many programs offer discounts at hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist attractions.
2. Save on Food
Plan to Prep Some Meals
Booking a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchenette can go a long way toward reducing food expenses. Cooking simple meals like pasta, tacos, or sandwiches can save you from pricey restaurant tabs night after night. Don’t want to cook? Bring a large cutting board and assemble a charcuterie platter filled with meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and snackable veggies.
Shop Smart
Instead of relying on convenience store snacks, swing by local grocery stores or farmers’ markets for healthier, more affordable options. You can even make a mini adventure out of trying local foods or regional specialties from a supermarket deli.
Pack a Cooler
Bring a cooler filled with ready-to-eat items and snacks, plus a few frozen water bottles to keep everything chilled. Then, as the bottles melt, they’ll do double duty as cold drinking water.
3. Save on Lodging
Try Tent or RV Camping
Campgrounds and dispersed camping areas offer a budget-friendly alternative to hotels and a chance to soak in some beautiful scenery. National and state parks often have affordable campsites you can reserve ahead of time, while public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service allow for free or low-cost dispersed camping in certain areas.
Consider Car Camping
If your vehicle and local ordinances allow, sleeping in your car at designated rest stops or campgrounds can also significantly reduce your overnight costs. Apps like iOverlander or FreeRoam can help you find safe, legal places to park for the night.
Look for Budget-Friendly Rentals
Check sites like Airbnb or Vrbo for affordable alternatives to traditional hotels—especially in areas where prices tend to spike in summer. Booking a whole house (or even just a private room in someone’s home) can offer savings, and sometimes even access to a kitchen or laundry. Just be sure to read the fine print and check for hidden cleaning fees, damage protection fees, or other unexpected costs.
Try Housesitting
Feeling adventurous? Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect travelers with homeowners in need of house and pet sitters. It’s a great way to stay in unique places across the world for free in exchange for keeping an eye on things. Plus, as a bonus, you could meet some cool dogs, cats, reptiles, or even horses!
4. Save on Recreation
Buy a National Parks Pass
If your route includes a few outdoor destinations, an America the Beautiful pass could pay for itself in just a few stops. For $80 per year, you get access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks.
Look for Free Fun
Many cities offer free museums, public events, and walking tours, especially in the summer months when schools are out. Check local tourism websites or community calendars to find concerts, festivals, or historical sites that won’t cost a dime.
Ready to Hit the Road?
A memorable road trip doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card. With a little resourcefulness and a few clever hacks, you can travel far, eat well, and sleep comfortably within budget. And, whether you’re cruising the Oregon coast or heading on a cross-country national park tour, we’re here to support your journey every mile of the way.
🚗 Travel Expert Tip: Even with a well-maintained car and careful planning, unexpected delays or emergencies can still happen. Pack a basic emergency kit with flashlights, a first aid kit, water, jumper cables, flares, and the tools needed to change a tire. It’s better to be overprepared than stranded.
Want more travel tips?
- Find out when you need travel insurance (and when you can skip it).
- Discover how to protect your money while you travel with our Summer Travel Safety Checklist.
- Learn how to avoid the hidden travel fees that can blow your vacation budget.