So you’re about to head out on a road trip and need to budget through it? No worries! As much as we all love #vanlyfe, some of us can’t live that dream just yet! You’ll find amazing tips to help carry you through a solid road trip in America, without worrying about your wallet.

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1 – Plan

No duh, right? Planning the intricate details of your road trip beforehand helps you budget your time and finances.

• Figure out the mileage between destinations and find the most efficient routes.
  • Try and avoid toll roads. Most toll roads run parallel with a highway and aren’t a huge difference in time.
• Check the local gas prices of your destination to budget an estimate for fuel usage.
• Create a realistic sightseeing list. This will keep your budget and schedule on track.

2 – Time of Year

• Major holidays can drive expenses up and see an increase in tourist traffic.
• Seasonal weather (such as snow)  may encourage road closures. The Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed for a few months out of the year because of the weather. Alternatively, visiting the desert in the middle of the summer can be tiring, dehydrating and somewhat unbearable. (Even if I’m pointing out something you’re aware of, “it’s a dry heat” doesn’t excuse how exhausting that heat can really be.)
• Out of tourist season may see some seasonal closures, but this is usually the cheaper time of year to visit places.

3 – Vehicle

• If it’s within a reasonable distance, take your own car. (This isn’t meant to be an ignorant statement. I know there are some who don’t have a car, or like myself, have a battered old little thing that spends more time as a shiny driveway ornament than a form of reliable transportation.)
• If you’re going to rent a car:
  • Rent as far in advance as possible. The supply of cars is greater, so the prices are cheaper. The longer you wait, the more expensive the cars get, and the smaller the choices are.
  • Avoid renting directly from the airport. Rent from somewhere a few miles away. (When I rented a car in Salt Lake City, it was ~$250 cheaper to rent from a major chain 10 miles from the airport than from the same major chain’s airport location. Well worth the fifteen minute Uber drive.)
  • If you know your road trip is just about seeing the main sights and staying on paved roads, go for the fuel efficient, economy car. It’s plenty comfortable, roomy – unless you’re 6’5 + – and does point A to point B just fine.
  • Don’t get the insurance. Most individual car insurance plans cover rentals for much cheaper. Also, if you have a major credit card, one of the perks is travel insurance. Check out your perks and options! On the flip side, I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable or not supported during their trip. I’d recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great prices and cover a variety of factors, not just cars.

4 – Rest

• Did you know you can sleep in almost any Walmart parking lot? I’ve slept in my fair share, and it’s free.
• Check out the campsites in National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, and National Monuments. Some of these offer free camping, or an incredibly affordable cost from ~$15 – $45. (Some campsites do have bathrooms and showers. The handful I’ve experienced, I’ve had to pay about $2 to use.)
• Check out private campsites in the area. Some properties allow free camping, or at an affordable price. Freecampsites.net and Campendium.com offer great free camping spots!
• AirBNB has some cheap offers! It’s helpful to find a place/places with a kitchen if you plan to cook during your trip. (Using this link to book your first trip with AirBNB will get you $55 off!)
• Plenty of cheap hotels! My go-to hotel choice while on the road is Days Inn. They’re cheap, usually scattered off main highways (or reasonably close to them), and their loyalty program is great. The points appear quickly in my account, and I’ve been able to get a free room a couple times on one trip alone.

5 – Food

• Grocery stores are my Day 1 stop. I grab snacks, hiking fuel, and fruits for breakfast (depending on the weather and chill in my car). Grocery shopping is a great way to budget and save money on meals.
• When I stay at hotels, I make sure they offer free breakfast. (Days Inn does!) Not only do I fill up in the morning before I go, I’ll grab a to-go bag with stuff to make a sandwich and some fruit to have a snack and guaranteed lunch later in the day.
• Although I’m a terrible soda addict at home, I do my best to drink water on the road. Since I hike a lot, or am outside a lot, it’s important to stay hydrated. I have refillable bottles I bring with me and fill them up at the parks. (It’s free!)
• Eating at restaurants is something I reserve for a couple of things: A) local dish I really want to try that may be hard/impossible to find elsewhere. B) If I’ve been rained out on a hike and/or I’m freezing, it does my soul some good to get a hot bowl of soup. C) The last night of my trip, if I’m within budget, I’ll splurge on a good-bye meal.

6 – Activities

• Find free stuff to do. Whether visiting a large city, or headed to a state park, there are plenty of free things to do.
• Splurge on unique-to-that-area experiences. Whether I’m on a trip with friends, or by myself, the two questions I ask are ‘How much?’ and ‘Can I do this anywhere, or only here?’

7 – Gas & Miscellaneous Tips

• Google Maps is pretty great about showing local gas stations and their prices. I’ve also used an app called ‘Gas buddy’ – this is something other friends and & bloggers have recommended – but I use Google Maps the most.
• Do not buy gas at a National Park – it is expensive AF. Make sure you’re fueled up, especially if you’ll be going on some scenic drives.
• In general, the reason why gas and/or hotels may seem costly is because of the convenience in their location. Searching for a hotel or gas station a few miles away from the main highway, or popular area you’re visiting, can result in some fabulously cheap finds!
• Not all road trips need to revolve around National Parks, but if you’re going to them, make sure to get a National Park pass. It’s good for a year, and you have access to all National Parks, Forests, and Monuments.
  • $80 full year
  • $20 for Seniors for annual; $80 for lifetime (62+)
  • Free for the disabled and military
  • The big question is: Is the investment of the pass worth it? Absolutely. When Luisa (The Born Wanderess) and I went on our Utah, Arizona, Wyoming road trip, we went to 10 National Parks and 7 National Forests. It would have been $215 if we paid the entrance fees to all parks. $135 in savings!

8 – Love’s Country Stores

Love’s is my favorite stop while on the road.

These are easily found off interstates and various highways throughout the US.

You can rest in the parking lot, take a shower, and even get some water for your camper.

Because their demographic is meant for people who live on the road, there is a wide selection of anything you might need. From toiletries, to fresh fruit, even high visibility vests and flashlights.

Although 2020 has changed a lot of things, I’ve met some great people at Love’s. People share their favorite states, cities, and/or places to eat, and happily provide directions or let you know if a highway is congested further down the line so you can avoid it.

I even left my wallet in a stall here, and it was safely returned to me!

No matter where it’s been, I’ve never felt unsafe in a Love’s.

What’s Your Favorite Budget Tip While On The Road?