How to Save Money on a Road Trip – 30+ Expert Tips
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Saving money on a road trip doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun or comfort. With a little prep and the right tools, you can keep your adventure budget-friendly while still enjoying the ride.
Hi, I’m Tonya. After two decades of road-tripping across 40 states with my family, I’ve figured out how to save money on a road trip. I use many of these tips every time I hit the road.
From finding cheaper gas and cutting food costs to getting great deals on accommodations and activities, I’ll show you my tried-and-true money-saving tips.
This goes hand in hand with creating your road trip budget. However, a road trip budget is simply what you’ll spend. This article digs into how to save money on what you spend.
My number one tip to save money on a road trip? Pack your own food.
Ready to hit the road without breaking the bank? I’ve got 31 tips to save money while you’re traveling.
Let’s dive in!
How to Save Money on Gas
Gas is one of those ever-changing variables when traveling on the road. In certain parts of the US, it can vary as much as $1 per gallon more than in other parts of the country. Saving money on gas is crucial.
#1 Gas Savings App – Upside
Ever heard of Upside? It’s a great cash-back app for gas, letting you save money per gallon.
Use promo code B3G5S to snag an extra 15¢/gal on your first fill-up.
The cash adds up and you can deposit it back to your account for free when you’ve reached $10 or use it to buy gift cards.
This is one of my favorite ways to get cash back on fuel costs.
#2 Loyalty Apps
Other ways to save can be on loyalty programs with the gas station. Major chains such as Shell offer 5 cents a gallon off of gas.
#3 Gas Gift Cards
From time to time, you may be able to score gas station gift cards at significant savings.
For example, our local grocery store chain will offer $10 off a $50 gas station gift card with every $50 grocery purchase.
Keep an eye on your local stores’ flyers for when these sales hit and stock up.
Additionally, some warehouse membership stores will sell gift cards at a discount. Check to see if any national gas chains are in stock.
#4 Fuel Time
When it comes to fueling up, do it in the morning. Gas evaporates in the heat, so filling up during cooler hours helps you get more for your money. If you’re hitting the road, top off your tank before you leave, even if it’s half full.
You can also opt to fuel up in the evenings, just before you stop for the night. This helps your fuel economy.
Pro Tip – You can road trip in an Electric Vehicle. Consider this guide to save even more money.
#5 Tire Pressure
Tire pressure matters more than you think. When your tires lose air, your car works harder, burning more fuel.
Before and after every trip, check your tire pressure with a digital gauge for quick results.
#6 Cruise Control
Cruise control is another fuel efficiency trick. It keeps your speed steady, avoiding the up-and-down driving that wastes gas. Stick to the speed limit and stay alert.
#7 Smart GPS Routing
Smart GPS routing is a lifesaver. Apps like Google Maps or Waze help you dodge traffic and avoid wasting time and gas stuck in jams.
Trust me when I tell you that I’ve ignored this before and it resulted in sitting in traffic at a standstill for over an hour. Your road trip route may have a detour, but your travel budget will thank you!
#8 Tolls
Toll roads might not affect your gas budget per se, but they can quickly add up and cut into your road trip savings.
Before heading out, research your route to check for any toll roads along the way. If you’re traveling through multiple states, consider getting the Uni Pass, which works in 19 states and can help you avoid toll-by-plate fees.
How to Save Money on Food
Food can quickly become one of the biggest expenses on a road trip, but with a little planning and meal prep, you can save a lot.
#9 Pack Your Own Food
Packing your own food is healthier and more cost-effective than ordering fast food.
We freeze half-gallon water jugs to keep the cooler cold without soggy food, plus the melted water is great for drinking later.
We’ve done full-day trips without buying food on the road and eating our own meals. For longer trips, consider a plug-in cooler to keep things cold.
#10 Bring Your Own Water
Skip buying water bottles or sodas at gas stations.
Pack reusable bottles and fill a 5-gallon cooler from home. It’s cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly.
#11 Grocery Stores on the Road
If you need food on the road, grocery stores are better than fast food. The iExit app helps you find grocery stores along your route.
Stock up on fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, and even deli items, which can feed the whole family.
Consider what you get from fast food places and how much you’ll spend. You’ll spend half that getting the same, if not more, food from the grocery store.
#12 Coffee
If you’re a coffee drinker, this is another area that may be trickier on the road. It’s tempting to drive through Starbucks for your fix. But you can also get iced cappuccinos from Starbucks at your local grocery store.
Or go one better and buy a half gallon of iced coffee to add to your cooler.
If you must have hot coffee, see how to make coffee when you’re on the road here.
#13 Milk for Kids
Boxed milk is a great option for road trips. It’s shelf-stable and comes in small packs that fit easily into a cooler.
#14 Free Hotel Breakfast
If you’re staying in hotels, book ones that offer free breakfast. It’s a great way to save on a meal and get a solid start to the day!
How to Save Money on Accommodations
Depending on how long you have to drive, it may or may not be worth getting a hotel room on the way to your final destination. We have driven straight through, but I only recommend that if you’re not tired. Two tips for saving on overnight accommodations:
#15 Hotel Rooms
When you’re on a road trip, hotel rooms can be a significant expense.
Book your hotel room in advance. If you plan your route ahead of time, you can save money this way.
Check online for discounts and coupons. Again, this is also a place to check your credit card rewards for offers, savings, and cash back.
Finally, since this is an overnight, book just what you need. If you’re traveling for a long day, you may just need a bed to crash and free breakfast in the morning.
If you have kids that need to burn off some energy, find a place with a pool.
Make sure the hotel has free parking. No need to spend money on parking when you’re only there for one night.
#16 Home Rentals
Whether you’re looking for one night on your way to your final destination, or many nights at your final destination, using a home rental through VRBO can save you money and earn you loyalty money in the form of OneKey Cash.
#17 Use Loyalty Points and/or Branded Credit Cards
If you stay loyal to one hotel brand, you can rack up loyalty points and use them to save on your road trip.
Keep in mind, many hotels such as Hilton, IHG, and Marriott have many names that fall under their umbrella. Go to one of their sites and scroll all the way to the bottom to find which hotels are part of their brand.
No matter which hotel chain you stay at under that brand earns you points. And those points in turn can be used at any of the hotels under the brand.
A branded rewards credit card, such as an American Express Hilton card helps you get those points that much faster. When you use my link, you can earn up to 165,000 points, 35,000 more than the current offer.
#18 Campgrounds
Campgrounds can be a budget-friendly option. Use the iExit app to find ones on your route, and call ahead to check availability.
How to Save Money on Attractions
Roadside attractions can quickly drain your wallet if you’re not prepared. With all the enticing signs for quirky stops or gift shops, it’s easy to overspend.
#19 Take Scenic Breaks
Stop at overlooks or pull-offs for free, beautiful views. It’s one of the best ways to stretch your legs and enjoy nature without spending money.
#20 Free Roadside Attractions
Not every attraction has a cost. Sometimes, a funky roadside stop makes for a fun memory without spending a dime.
#21 Visit Historical Markers
Brown signs along highways point to historical spots, often free and educational.
#22 National Parks
A National Parks Pass gives access and entrance fees to countless parks, monuments, and historical sites for one price. It’s a great investment if you’re road-tripping across the U.S.
#23 State Parks
State parks can be just as impressive as National Parks. If you’re going through a new state, stop at the welcome center and pick up a few brochures and state park maps to find state parks to visit.
#24 Welcome Center
Speaking of the welcome center, you may be able to find off the beaten path and local attractions. Often discounts are available for state-wide attractions here. You know those brochure racks? They can be a great way to find things to do.
# 25 Multi-attraction passes
Once you’re at your destination, look into getting a multi-attraction pass such as a Go City Card or CityPASS. I’ve used these many times and they are always more affordable than spending the money on each attraction.
Road Trip Entertainment
If you’re taking a long road trip, you may seek ways to entertain yourself and your family while passing away the many miles. I have a few tips on how to save money here too.
#26 Music
These days many of us, or our kids, have a Spotify subscription. Instead of trying to find a radio station, hook up your Bluetooth and let the passengers drive the playlists.
If you have a college student, did you know they get a Spotify membership for less? Even as my kids were dual enrolled in high school, they were able to use their college email addresses to save.
#27 Movies and TV
If you’re already paying for a streaming service at home, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t have at least one, be sure to download some movies or shows direct to your device before heading out.
#28 Audiobooks
One of my favorite ways to pass the time in the car is listening to an audiobook. Did you know you can get audiobooks for free from your library? Download the Libby App or Cloud Library depending on your library and you can get free ebooks and audiobooks.
If you choose to buy audiobooks, use Libro.FM. It supports local bookstores rather than the Amazonian giant of Audible.
Car Maintenance & Preparation
Before you hit the road, a little car TLC goes a long way in saving money (and headaches).
Here’s how to keep your vehicle running smoothly so you can stay focused on the adventure ahead.
#29 Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Don’t skip out on the basics. Changing your oil, keeping your air filters clean, and topping off fluids can make a big difference in your car’s performance. A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car, which means more money in your pocket.
#30 Check Your Alignment & Balance
Did you know that poor alignment and unbalanced tires can burn more gas and wear out your tires faster? Before you head out, check that your alignment and tire balance are good to go. It’s a quick way to make sure you’re not wasting fuel or adding unnecessary wear and tear.
#31 AAA Membership
Consider grabbing a membership with AAA or another roadside assistance program. Not only will it save you from unexpected towing fees, but AAA also offers discounts on hotels, attractions, and more.
Even if you don’t need a tow, but aren’t comfortable changing a flat tire, AAA can help.
It’s one of those memberships that can pay for itself in savings on a single trip.
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to save money on a road trip?
The simplest way to save is by packing your own food. Not only is it healthier, but it cuts out the cost of eating at restaurants or fast-food joints. Freeze water jugs for your cooler, and you’re good to go without spending extra on snacks or meals.
How can I save money on gas during a road trip?
There are several ways to save on gas:
Use a cash-back app like Upside to get discounts on fuel.
Sign up for gas station loyalty programs that offer discounts per gallon.
Keep your tires properly inflated, and use cruise control to maintain steady fuel consumption.
Avoid rush hour traffic by using smart GPS routing with apps like Google Maps or Waze to reduce time idling in traffic.
Are there ways to save on roadside attractions or activities?
Absolutely! Opt for free activities like scenic overlooks, historical markers, and roadside attractions that don’t have entry fees. If you’re visiting multiple parks, consider getting a National Parks Pass—it offers access to many sites for one price. State parks can also be a great budget-friendly alternative.
How can I entertain my family on a road trip without spending a lot of money?
Download music playlists, movies, or audiobooks before you go to avoid using data on the road. Apps like Libby offer free audiobooks through your local library, and if you have a streaming service, you can download content to enjoy offline.
Is it cheaper to drive straight through or stay overnight?
It depends. If you can drive safely without getting too tired, driving straight through can save on accommodations. But if it’s a long drive, it’s safer and often more relaxing to stop overnight. Look for budget-friendly hotels with free breakfast or campgrounds if you’re open to camping.
Conclusion/Final Thoughts
With a bit of planning and some clever tricks, I’ve learned how to stretch my budget without sacrificing the experience.
From packing my own food to using gas-saving apps, these little steps have made a big difference on the open road.
I’ve found amazing deals on accommodations, discovered free roadside attractions, and made the most of every mile without worrying about overspending.
So, whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an epic cross-country journey, I hope these tips help you save money while still making incredible memories.
