Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure for the whole family, but it can also become expensive if you’re not careful. Between food, gas, accommodations, and keeping the kids entertained, costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, with a little planning and creativity, you can save money on your next road trip while still making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll dive into money-saving tips for road trips, including pre-trip planning, food and snacks, gas-saving strategies, and entertainment options to keep your kids happy while you’re on the road. By the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to plan a budget-friendly road trip for the whole family!
1. Plan and Budget in Advance
Before hitting the road, planning out your route and expenses can help you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary spending. Here’s how:
Use a Road Trip Budget Planner
Create a basic budget that includes:
- Fuel costs: Use apps like GasBuddy to estimate how much gas will cost along your route.
- Food and snacks: Plan for both meals on the road and any stops at restaurants.
- Accommodations: If you’re staying overnight, research affordable lodging or consider camping to cut down on costs.
- Entertainment/Activities: Factor in the cost of attractions, parks, or experiences along the way.
Plan Your Route Carefully
- Use apps like Google Maps to plot your trip and find the shortest or most fuel-efficient routes.
- If you can, travel during non-peak hours to avoid traffic, which can lead to wasting gas while sitting idle.
2. Buy Snacks and Drinks Before You Leave
Stopping at gas stations or convenience stores for snacks can quickly add up, especially when traveling with kids. One of the easiest ways to save money is by packing snacks and drinks ahead of time.
Pack a Cooler with Essentials
- Bring a cooler filled with water, juice boxes, and healthy snacks. Buying snacks in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam’s Club can save you a lot of money compared to purchasing individual items on the road.
- Opt for snacks that won’t easily melt or spoil, like:
- Fruit (apples, grapes, oranges)
- Veggies (baby carrots, cucumber slices)
- String cheese
- Trail mix or granola bars
- Pretzels, crackers, or popcorn
Reusable Water Bottles
Bring reusable water bottles for the whole family and refill them at rest stops or fast-food restaurants along the way. Many gas stations now have water bottle refill stations, which is cheaper than buying bottled water at every stop.
Pro Tip: If your hotel or accommodations have a fridge, restock your cooler every day to ensure you always have fresh food and drinks.
3. Save on Meals
Eating at restaurants three times a day can quickly blow your road trip budget. Instead, plan for a mix of packed meals, picnic stops, and the occasional meal out to save money.
Make Sandwiches or Wraps for Lunch
- Pack a small container with sandwich ingredients (bread, deli meats, cheese, peanut butter, etc.) and assemble sandwiches when you stop for lunch.
- If you’re camping or staying at a hotel with a kitchenette, you can prepare simple dinners like pasta, salads, or tacos to save money on eating out.
Look for Picnic Areas
- Many rest areas and public parks have picnic areas where you can stop for a meal. Not only is it a fun break from sitting in the car, but it also saves money compared to dining at a restaurant.
- Bring a blanket for an impromptu picnic in scenic spots along your route.
Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts
- When booking hotels, look for places that offer free continental breakfasts. Many budget-friendly hotels provide breakfast with your stay, saving you money on at least one meal a day.
4. Gas-Saving Strategies
Fuel is likely one of the largest expenses on a road trip, so it’s essential to find ways to save on gas.
Use Gas Price Apps
- Download apps like GasBuddy, which helps you find the cheapest gas stations along your route. This can make a significant difference when you’re traveling long distances.
Drive Efficiently
- Try to avoid sudden stops and starts, which use up more gas. Maintaining a steady speed helps maximize your fuel efficiency.
- Use cruise control when driving on highways, which can help reduce fuel consumption.
Keep Your Car in Good Shape
- Before leaving, make sure your car is tuned up and ready for the trip. Simple maintenance, such as checking your tire pressure, can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
5. Save on Accommodations
Accommodations can be one of the biggest road trip expenses, especially if you’re staying in hotels every night. However, there are a few ways to keep lodging costs down:
Book in Advance
- Booking your hotel or motel stays in advance can often get you a better rate than showing up last-minute. Use websites like Hotels.com, Expedia, or Booking.com to find deals.
- Look for family-friendly motels or budget chain hotels that offer lower nightly rates, such as Motel 6, Super 8, or Holiday Inn Express.
Consider Camping
- If your family enjoys the outdoors, camping can be a budget-friendly alternative to staying in hotels. Many state parks, national parks, and campgrounds offer affordable rates for campsites.
Stay with Family or Friends
- If your road trip takes you through towns where you know people, consider staying with friends or family for a night or two to save on lodging costs.
6. Find Free and Cheap Activities
Keeping the kids entertained on the road doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on attractions or activities. Look for free or low-cost things to do along your route.
Visit National Parks
- Many national parks offer free or discounted entry for families, and they provide plenty of space for the kids to explore and burn off energy.
- If you’re planning to visit multiple parks, consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entry to all U.S. national parks for a year.
Local Attractions
- Look for local festivals, farmers’ markets, or fairs in the towns you’re passing through. Many of these events are free or have low admission fees and can be a fun way to experience the local culture.
Free Museums and Zoos
- Some cities have free-entry museums or zoos, especially if you’re traveling on certain days of the week. Do a little research ahead of time to find these budget-friendly stops.
7. Keep Kids Entertained Without Spending a Fortune
Keeping the kids happy and entertained is key to a successful road trip. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep them busy without spending money on pricey gadgets or toys.
DIY Travel Games
- Create a road trip scavenger hunt where kids look for things like license plates from different states, specific animals, or roadside attractions.
- Print out road trip bingo cards with common sights such as “Rest Area,” “Red Barn,” or “Welcome to [State]” signs.
Audiobooks and Podcasts
- Download kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts that everyone can enjoy. Audiobooks like Harry Potter, The Magic Tree House, or Percy Jackson are engaging for both kids and adults.
Busy Bags
- Put together busy bags filled with small toys, coloring books, crayons, and puzzles. You can get inexpensive items from the dollar store to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank.
Movies or TV Shows
- If you have a tablet or portable DVD player, download a few movies or TV episodes in advance. While screen time should be balanced with other activities, watching a favorite movie can help pass the time on long stretches of road.
8. Plan for Rest Stops
Making regular rest stops can prevent kids from getting restless or cranky during a long drive. Not only does it give them a chance to stretch their legs, but it can also provide an opportunity for free entertainment.
Find Playgrounds at Rest Areas
- Many highway rest areas have playgrounds or open spaces where kids can run around. Pack a ball or frisbee for quick games during rest stops.
Stretch at Scenic Overlooks
- Plan your route around scenic viewpoints or overlooks where you can stop, take in the view, and snap some family photos.
Enjoy Your Road Trip Without Breaking the Bank
A well-planned road trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By preparing your own snacks, using apps to save on gas, finding free or cheap activities, and keeping the kids entertained, you can have an enjoyable and budget-friendly adventure with your family. Whether you’re driving across the state or across the country, these money-saving tips will help you stay within your budget while making lasting memories on the road.
Are you ready to start packing for your next road trip?
