Going on a road trip doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of my favorite trips have been the ones where we found creative ways to save money along the way.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a several-week adventure, a little preparation can make a huge difference in how much you spend.
Over the years, I've learned that saving money on a road trip isn't necessarily about sacrificing the things you enjoy. It's about deciding where you want to save and where you'd rather splurge.
Here are some of my favorite tips for taking a low-budget road trip without missing out on the fun.
1. Plan Your Route
Before you hit the road, decide where you want to go and map out your route.
I usually use Google Maps and drop pins along the way for places I want to stop. This helps me see how everything fits together and prevents unnecessary driving back and forth.
Planning ahead can also help you estimate how much you'll spend on gas, determine where you'll stay, and identify interesting places to stop along the way.
2. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
This one may seem obvious, but the vehicle you choose can make a big difference in your road-trip budget.
Driving a large gas-guzzling truck is going to cost considerably more than driving a smaller economy car.
On our last road trip, we were pretty cramped in the smaller car, but we saved a fortune on gas.
Sometimes saving money means making a small sacrifice in comfort in exchange for a bigger savings elsewhere.
3. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Hotels can quickly become one of the biggest expenses on a road trip, so look for ways to keep your accommodation costs under control.
Consider camping at national parks, staying at budget motels, or, where it's legal and safe, sleeping in your car.
Personally, I like to mix things up. We will often alternate between inexpensive hotels and Airbnb's for a few nights so that we can splurge on a few nights in more expensive accommodations.
That balance allows us to experience some really nice places without spending our entire travel budget on accommodations.
4. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out three times a day can get expensive very quickly, especially on a long road trip.
Bring along a portable stove, cookware, and some non-perishable foods so you can prepare some of your own meals.
My sister and I did this on a three-week road trip around Florida, and the money we saved on food allowed us to stay in nicer accommodations.
You don't have to cook every meal. Even replacing a few restaurant meals with something you prepare yourself can make a noticeable difference.
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5. Pack Snacks
This goes hand-in-hand with cooking your own meals.
Stock up on snacks, fruit, granola bars, drinks, and other easy-to-pack foods before you leave. This helps you avoid those expensive impulse purchases every time you stop at a gas station or convenience store.
For a longer road trip, you can always replenish your supplies along the way. We often stop at a grocery store or make a Walmart stop when we're running low.
A little planning can save a surprising amount of money.
6. Use Apps to Find Discounts
There are apps that can help you save money on everything from gas to hotels.
For example, GasBuddy can help you compare gas prices in the area you're traveling through.
Apps such as HotelTonight can also be useful when you're looking for last-minute hotel deals.
These kinds of tools are especially helpful on road trips because prices can vary considerably from one town or gas station to another.
7. Stay With Friends or Family
If you have friends or family along your route, don't be afraid to ask if you can stay with them for a night or two.
Obviously, this isn't going to work for every trip, but when it does, it can eliminate a significant accommodation expense.
And sometimes the best part is getting to spend time with people you don't get to see very often.
8. Look for Free and Low-Cost Attractions
You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time.
Look for free or inexpensive attractions such as:
- Parks
- Scenic overlooks
- Hiking trails
- Beaches
- Historical sites
- Local festivals
- Museums with free days
- State parks
State parks are usually high on my list because they often have relatively inexpensive entrance fees and can offer some incredible scenery. Some of our favorite stops have cost little or nothing.
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9. Bring Your Own Entertainment
Road trips can involve a lot of time in the car, but keeping yourself entertained doesn't have to cost money.
Bring books, download podcasts, create playlists, or download movies and television shows before leaving home.
Downloading things ahead of time is especially useful if you're traveling through areas with limited cell service.
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10. Bring Reusable Water Bottles
This is a small thing, but it adds up.
Bring reusable water bottles and refill them along the way rather than continually buying bottled water at gas stations and convenience stores.
It's better for your wallet and better for the environment.
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11. Prepare Your Car Before You Leave
A little maintenance before your trip can potentially save you a lot of money later.
Before leaving, make sure your vehicle is ready for the miles ahead. Check things such as:
- Oil
- Tires and tire pressure
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Battery
- Windshield wipers
The last thing you want on a road trip is an unexpected breakdown that turns into a costly repair — and an unexpected delay.
12. Share Costs
Traveling with friends or family can be a great way to reduce the cost per person.
You can split expenses such as:
- Gas
- Accommodation
- Parking
- Food
When we're traveling with a large group, we often try to find an Airbnb with several bedrooms. This has allowed us to stay in some of the most beautiful places in the world while splitting the cost among several people.
13. Avoid Unnecessary Toll Roads
If possible, plan your route to avoid toll roads and express lanes when they don't offer a significant advantage.
But here's an important warning: don't blindly follow your GPS.
On one of our recent trips to Florida, our GPS directed us into a particular lane multiple times that required a specific pass.
Each mishap resulted in a $25 fee.
That was definitely an expensive lesson.
14. Be Flexible With Your Itinerary
One of the great things about a road trip is that you don't necessarily have to stick to a rigid schedule.
If you discover a more interesting — or less expensive — destination along the way, be willing to change your plans. Sometimes the unexpected stops end up becoming the highlights of the trip.
15. Travel Off-Peak
This has saved me more money than all of the other tips combined.
Avoid traveling during the busiest tourist seasons whenever possible.
Hotels, vacation rentals, attractions, and even flights can become considerably more expensive during peak travel periods.
Traveling during the off-season can give you two major advantages:
Lower prices + fewer crowds.
For example, Volcano Bay during the off-season is much less crowded. Volcano Bay in the off-season is not crowded.
16. Look for Deals Before You Go
Before your trip, spend a little time searching for discounts on the things you already know you'll need.
Look for:
- Hotel discounts
- Attraction passes
- Grocery stores along your route
- Gas prices
- Free parking
- State park passes
- Local discounts
Even saving $10 or $20 here and there can add up over the course of a long trip.
17. Don't Be Afraid to Splurge Sometimes
Saving money doesn't mean that everything has to be cheap.
One of my favorite approaches is to save money in some areas so we can spend more in others.
For example, we'll cook some of our meals, stay in inexpensive accommodations for a few nights, and save on gas — then use that money to splurge on a really nice hotel or Airbnb.
That's what makes budget travel work for me.
It's not about spending as little as possible.
It's about spending your money on the things that matter most to you.
Final Thoughts
A low-budget road trip can be an amazing adventure without breaking the bank.
The key is to plan ahead, watch your spending, and look for opportunities to save without taking away from the experience.
Some of the biggest savings can come from things that seem small — bringing your own snacks, choosing a fuel-efficient car, cooking a few meals, avoiding unnecessary tolls, or traveling during the off-season.
And don't forget to leave a little room for spontaneity.
After all, the best road trips aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. They're the ones you'll remember.
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