Top Road Trip Money Saving Tips
There's something magical about hitting the open road, windows down, music blasting, and a full tank of fuel ready to take you on an adventure. But let’s be real, road trips can add up, and fast! Between fuel, food, accommodations, and tolls, it’s easy to rack up a huge bill. Luckily, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that help keep costs down without sacrificing the fun. Join me as I reveal my road trip money saving tips.
Like most, we have done a few road trips in our lives. Three motorhome trips around Europe seeing the Christmas markets, exploring Portugal from the south to the north and then there’s the regular trip into Spain to discover new and wonderful places.
But the longest one of all (where we had to get the most millage under our belts per day) was the relocation move from Montenegro to Portugal. Four days through seven countries, the car fully loaded and our cat “Scally Wag” at my feet.
Fuel Efficiency is Your Best Friend on a Road Trip
Before setting out, make sure your car is ready for the long haul. Check simple things like radiator water, oil levels and tire pressure – Inflated tires make less friction, and less friction means more mileage per litre.
Use cruise control. Driving at a constant speed is more fuel efficient, it also keeps you within the speed limit, reducing your chances of a speeding fine.
Use gas apps to find the cheapest fuel. Gone are the days of randomly pulling over at the next gas station. Apps like GasBuddy or Waze can help you find the cheapest gas along your route.
Food Hacks for the Frugal
Pack a cooler like a pro. I hate roadside fast food outlets and fuel stop stores. Terrible and overpriced food and beverages that can quickly boost your travel expenses. Packing a cooler with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks is a game changer. Not only does it save money, but you can also have a picnic with a scenic view instead of a fast-food joint. Pro tip: freeze some bottles of water to keep the cooler cold longer, and you’ll have ice-cold drinks once they thaw!
Embrace grocery store stops. When you do need to restock, skip the expensive convenience stores. Hitting up a local grocery store for fresh produce, deli items, and drinks can save you big time. Plus, it’s a fun way to discover local foods without the restaurant prices.
Accommodation on a Budget
Consider Camping or Staying at Budget Hotels. Hotels can eat up a huge chunk of your road trip budget, especially if you’re stopping every night. If you love the outdoors (or can at least tolerate it), consider camping! Many campsites are super affordable, and some are even free. Not into camping? Booking budget hotels or using Airbnb can also save cash. Booking ahead of time can help you snag great deals, but if you’re flexible, last-minute deals are also a great way to go. Or just do what we did…do it in a motorhome!
Use Loyalty Programs and Discounts. If you’re staying at chain hotels, sign up for loyalty programs. They’re free, and you can rack up points for future stays. If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, don’t forget to ask for discounts, too. Every little bit helps!
Entertainment Without the Price Tag
The road trip playlist. If like me, most of your phone’s storage space is taken up by music, then Im sure you will be bored with the tired old playlists. Search for “Road trip playlists” and expand your music repertoire. A little “caraoke” is a fun way to pass the time.
Download free audio books, podcasts or movies. Long stretches of highway can get a little boring. Instead of buying new audiobooks or paying for in-flight entertainment (just kidding!), download free options ahead of time. Many local libraries offer free audio book downloads, and podcasts are the gift that keeps on giving. Watching a movie or binge watching a series on the road is a great way to kill a few hours.
Miscellaneous Road Trip Tips
Plan Your Route for Efficiency. I get it—sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure. But, if you want to save on fuel and time, plan your route in advance to avoid unnecessary backtracking. Apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers are lifesavers for this. The Waze App will also warn you about permanent speed traps which is very handy, but just always compare the route between Waze and Google, they sometimes have conflicting directions.
Plan your pit stops, so you’re not tempted to pull over every time you see something shiny, or unlike me who has a cheap bladder and has to stop every 2 hours.
Avoid Tolls (When It Makes Sense). Some toll roads are worth it, especially if they save you a lot of time, but others? Not so much. Use apps or your GPS to find alternate routes that avoid tolls. It might take a little longer, but hey, that’s more time to soak in the scenery. A general rule of thumb – toll roads are faster/more expensive & back roads will be slower/cheaper.
Earn Points While You Drive. If you’re already going to be spending on gas, food, and accommodations, why not earn rewards while you do it? Many credit cards offer cashback or travel points on gas purchases or general travel expenses. Just be sure to pay off the balance to avoid interest fees, so your savings actually stick!
Travel with Friends or Family and share the costs. One of the easiest ways to cut road trip costs is to share them. Split gas, accommodations, and even food with friends or family. Carpooling not only makes the trip more fun, but you’ll save a ton by splitting those big-ticket expenses. You’ll also have extra company for those long stretches of highway!
Don’t Use Your Data Plan. If you’re trying to avoid data overages or roaming charges while traveling, make the most of free Wi-Fi at cafes, rest stops, and public places. Alternatively, make sure to have a pre-loaded eSim. We will NEVER to a road trip again without one.
A road trip doesn’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable. By being a little more strategic with your choices—whether it’s packing your own food, finding cheap fuel, or planning your route—you can save a ton without sacrificing the fun. And the best part? You’ll have extra cash for the things that really matter, like a spontaneous stop at that kitschy roadside attraction or an extra night in that quirky little town you stumbled upon.
So, get out there, enjoy the ride, and remember: It’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey there!
