There is nothing more liberating than hitting the open road. Road trips provide you with fun times, unique diversions, and an all-around exciting ride.
You can still enjoy an affordable, fun road trip with a bit of preparation and planning, whether you are driving across the country or to the next state over.
How To Go Everywhere And Not Break The Bank
How to go everywhere and not break the bank. Here are some helpful and practical tips for planning a road trip adventure; saving money on food, gas and activities at the same time.
BRING YOUR FOOD
There are two types of fuel needed on a road trip: one for your vehicle – the other for your body. Food costs can quickly add up, turning a road trip into an expensive, unhealthy one.
Although it may seem inexpensive to grab a snack and a drink along the way, after a week on the road, you could easily spend $10 a day on snacks alone, not to mention the dent in your budget after adding the cost of three meals each day.
Pack your food if you want to spend less on your road trip! Shop ahead of time and buy various snacks and food in bulk which will be more affordable than buying individual packages. Nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, veggies, fruit, and other healthy snacks packed with protein and fiber will keep you satisfied and provide a better form of energy than that bag of chips.
Getting your food ready before you travel is also a great idea. Food items like cold pasta and salads store well and are convenient to eat on the go, at a rest stop or trailhead parking lot.
Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.
MAKE MEALS AT CAMP
Taking a cooler full of simple-to-prepare meals while on a budget road trip can also help save money on meals. Enhance the experience by bringing a camp stove to cook your food instead of relying on prepackaged food that is often expensive.
EAT OUT CONSCIOUSLY
Taking advantage of local cuisines and restaurants is an essential part of traveling, and you’ll pay less for breakfast or lunch than for dinner. When I’m out and about, I like asking people where to find authentic restaurants and showcase the local food at a reasonable price.
PACK PLENTY OF WATER
Don’t forget to fill up your reusable water bottle before you leave. Gas stations usually have a drink dispenser with a water option to refill reusable bottles. Potable water is also available at paid campgrounds and some grocery stores, and if you bring and fill a few gallon jugs, it will help avoid purchasing single-use plastics.
Don’t get caught out there with not enough water. Depending on the time of year and what activity you are doing like hiking, climbing or bike-riding, there are recommendations by the National Parks, for example, to have a certain amount of water with you.
BREW YOUR COFFEE
On a road trip, cutting back on cafe purchased coffee is an easy way to save money. A $5 latte every day may not seem like much but multiplied over two weeks; it may equal two nights at a campground.
If you’re a big coffee person like me and require a daily fix – make your own! I’m a huge fan of making pour-over coffee for taste and ease. Not only does this make a robust and smooth cup of coffee, but cleanup is simple. All you need is a heat source, kettle, coffee grounds and water.
If you’re car-camping, purchase a Jetboil for boiling water in under 100 seconds and pour it right into your to-go mug. This coffee will be better than any you can get at chain coffee houses – promise!
These ideas work great for tea too!
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Although I love wandering, getting lost and exploring the unknown, driving an hour in the wrong direction wastes time and money when you’re trying to see the country within a budget. Getting to the destination, I stick with a planned route, and when I feel like a bit of diversion, will stop at a town or park along the way.
Mapping out the route beforehand and finding shortcuts will be a more efficient way to get where you are going. Try using multiple GPS systems because navigational tools can give you considerably different paths to the same place.
USE HELPFUL APPS
There are a few apps available that will help you plan your trip and find amenities along the way.
The Dyrt, a favorite camping app, has a feature in the PRO-version that allows you to plan your route before heading out and then upload it to Google Maps.
I also suggest downloading the Road Trippers App ahead of time. Save locations as you go, locate points of interest along the way, and find accommodations, fuel, dining, and more; there are even special in-app discounts that will help support your budget on your road trip.
When it comes to fin increase before and on weekends and holidays, fill the tank on Mondays to help you save some cash. Use the iExit App to find the best places to take a break while traveling on major highways.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MILEAGE
I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles and purchased a lot of gas over the years. One thing I’ve learned along the way is how I drive makes a huge difference in my gas mileage. I’ve especially noticed this in my Sprinter van, and with a few tweaks, I can maintain about 22mpg on highways.
Consider these tips:
- Reduce fuel usage by driving the speed limit or below.
- Automate your fuel usage with cruise control.
- Don’t stop abruptly at intersections. Whenever you accelerate from a complete stop, you will use more gas than if you slowly depressed the brakes and gradually started moving again.
EXPERIENCE MORE BY DRIVING LESS
I love to go places, make photos and SEE as many new things as possible, but there are many benefits to driving less, including saving money at the gas pumps. Sometimes, it’s better to take a break from the open road for a couple of days, spending time exploring on foot.
For example, rather than crossing off seeing six National Parks in a week, it might be better mind-body-spirit to focus on one or two. You’ll save lots of money on gas, and believe me, by slowing down, you’ll have a chance to explore deeper, leaving the destination more fulfilled.
NATIONAL PARKS PASS
For those who plan to visit three or more National Parks during a single year, the National Park’s Annual America the Beautiful Pass is a must-have. The Pass saves money on admission as it covers the entrance for your vehicle and all of its passengers.
Note: The Pass doesn’t cover camping and other local fees, and it’s wise to plan ahead if you intend to use the campground. Most Parks offer sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
FIND NO COST ATTRACTIONS
Spending time outdoors is not only good for the soul; it’s the most budget-friendly road trip tip out there! And, it will surely be an experience you’ll never forget.
Make the most of your time outside the vehicle by taking a day hike, packing a picnic, riding a bike or playing on the water. Enjoy the scenery as you drive to your destination, and be sure to make time for the sunrise or sunset along your way.
OVERNIGHTING ON A BUDGET? TRY CAR CAMPING
Car camping can be a money-saving solution on your next road trip: pack pillows, maybe some couch cushions, a sleeping bag and extra blankets for an impromptu night of sleep. I did this for many years in a Toyota 4Runner before switching to van living in 2019.
Depending on the region and length of your trip, renting a campervan could be less expensive than renting a hotel every night if you don’t have enough space in your car. You can experience van life that way too.
Other alternatives for sleeping on a road trip include couch surfing by using the Couch Surging App or at a friend’s home, using a tent or sleeping under the stars on the ground or in a hammock.
Comment below if you have budget road trip experiences or an option not mentioned in this article.
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
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