Earlier this month, we packed our bags and set out on a two-week road trip.
Over roughly 4,000 miles, we spent about $2,000 total. That covered food, national park and forest fees, hotels and campsites, gas, and other expenses.
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Below are practical strategies we used and learned for how to save money on a road trip.
Have a plan
Even if your trip is partly spontaneous, having a basic plan makes a big difference. Planning at least a day ahead helps you find deals—hotel discounts, coupons, and cheaper activities—and prevents unnecessary detours.
Route planning also saves gas by avoiding backtracking. On our trip we ended up driving extra miles because our phones repeatedly died, so we wandered around until we found what we needed. That added hundreds of miles and extra fuel costs. With better navigation and a clearer route, you can cut costs and travel time.
Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle
The type of vehicle you choose greatly affects fuel costs. We drove a Jeep Wrangler that averages only about 15 MPG, which substantially increased our fuel expense. Renting a more fuel-efficient car can often pay for itself. In our research, a rental getting 35–45 MPG cost about $150 per week; over two weeks that would have cut our gas bill enough to more than offset the rental cost while saving wear and tear on our vehicle.
We kept the Jeep because it was ideal for Colorado’s backcountry and we enjoy off-road driving, but if your priorities are lower fuel costs and less vehicle stress, consider renting a more efficient car.
Use cash-back and gas apps
Cash-back apps make fuel purchases cheaper. For example, some apps offer up to $0.25 per gallon back at participating stations and help you find the best places to fill up. Using these services consistently can reduce total fuel costs over a long trip.
Use coupon sites for restaurants
Coupon websites and services like Restaurant.com can deliver substantial dining savings. I’ve frequently bought $25 certificates for $1–$2. Often these certificates require a minimum spend—commonly around $35—so you’ll still pay for food and tip, but the effective discount makes dining out far cheaper and is a great way to try new places for less.
Stay in campsites
Camping is one of the best ways to cut lodging costs and enjoy scenery. Campsites in places like Colorado can be far more scenic than nearby hotels and often cost around $20 per night. Even a few nights of camping significantly lowers the trip’s average nightly cost and enhances the outdoor experience.
Pack simple meals
Buying groceries and packing easy meals saves both money and time. Bring a cooler to keep perishables fresh, and stock up on sandwiches, fruit, chips, nuts, granola and protein bars, and other snackable items. If you’re camping, a portable stove or campfire allows you to prepare brats, hot dogs, burgers, chili, and other affordable meals.
Preparing meals while traveling also helps you eat healthier and avoid expensive or frequent fast-food stops.
Practical packing and food ideas
- Sandwiches and wraps kept in a cooler for quick lunches.
- Fresh fruit, dried fruit, chips, nuts, and protein or granola bars for snacks.
- Simple camping meals like burgers, hot dogs, and foil dinners cooked on a portable stove or over a fire.
Do you enjoy road trips? Why or why not? How do you save money when you travel by car?