20 Simple Tips to Save Money on Road Trips
Road trips are all about adventure, freedom, and making memories—but they don’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and a few smart choices, you can hit the open road, have tons of fun, and still keep your wallet happy.
Whether you’re driving across the country or just heading out for a weekend getaway, these money-saving tips will help you enjoy every mile without the extra cost.
Pack your own snacks and drinks
Buying snacks at gas stations or rest stops adds up fast. Packing your own food saves a lot on your trip. You can buy in bulk and bring what you like, and easier to eat healthier this way.
No need to spend extra money every time you stop. It keeps everyone happy and full on the road.
To learn more: 15 Smart Meal Planning Hacks to Save Money on Fast Food
Use gas price apps to find the cheapest fuel
Gas prices change from place to place. Plus the closer you are to the highway, typically the more expensive the gas. Using a gas price app helps find the best deal nearby.
This small step can save a lot over a long trip. Less money spent on gas means more for fun things. It also helps plan better fuel stops. A little research goes a long way.
To learn more: 175+ Simple and Easy Frugal Living Tips to Save Money
Plan your route to avoid toll roads
Toll roads can sneak up on your budget. Taking time to plan your route helps you skip those costs. Many apps show free roads that don’t add much time.
This saves money and still gets you where you want to go. It’s a smart way to stretch your travel budget, but make sure to check the trip doesn’t cost you more in gas.
To learn more:
Camp instead of staying in hotels
Hotels cost a lot, especially for more than one night. Camping can be much cheaper. Many campgrounds are safe and easy to find.
Plus, it’s also a fun way to sleep under the stars. This helps save money while still enjoying the trip.
To learn more: Top 20 Frugal Hacks to Save Money
Look for free attractions and parks
Not everything fun costs money. Lots of places have free parks, trails, or public spaces. These can be just as fun as paid spots.
Buffering a few free days is a good way to fill your days without hurting your wallet. Free stops help keep your trip low-cost but still enjoyable.
To learn more: 105 Fun Things To Do With No Money
Bring refillable water bottles
Buying bottled drinks adds up fast. Refillable bottles cost less in the long run. Most places have water fountains or places to fill up.
This is something you can do for your wallet and help the environment. Staying hydrated doesn’t have to cost a lot.
To learn more: 20 Ridiculous Items to Cut From Your Budget
Use rest stops for picnics
Rest stops are a great place for a quick, free picnic area. Bringing your own food means no need to buy fast food. It’s easy to pack sandwiches, fruit, or snacks.
You save money and take a break from driving. It’s a simple way to stick to your budget.
To learn more: 25 Fun Ideas for a No Spend Weekend: How to Have Fun for Free
Travel during off-peak times
Traveling when fewer people are on the road can mean better prices. Hotels, gas, and attractions may cost less. You’ll also deal with less traffic and crowds.
This makes the trip smoother and cheaper. It’s a smart move for saving money.
To learn more: 15 Brilliant Ways to Save on Holiday Travel Costs
Share costs with friends or family
Going with others helps lower costs. You can split gas, food, and places to stay. It makes travel cheaper for everyone.
Plus, the trip is more fun with good company. Pooling money is a great way to stretch your budget.
To learn more: 12 Simple Things to Stop Doing to Blow Your Budget
Keep your tires properly inflated for better gas mileage
Tires that aren’t filled right use more gas. That means you spend more at the pump. Checking your tire pressure is quick and easy.
In the long run, you are maintaining your vehicle, which will help the car drive better and save money. Good tire care goes a long way on long trips.
To learn more: How Much to Patch a Tire from Experience
Avoid eating out for every meal
Restaurant meals add up fast, so try making some meals yourself to save money. Simple things like sandwiches or snacks are easy to prep.
You can budget for eating out one time per day during your vacation. Cutting back helps you stay within your budget.
To learn more: 30 Bills Frugal People Don’t Pay and What they Do Instead
Use travel rewards or discounts
Many places offer discounts for members or through apps. Travel rewards add up over time and save money. Booking with points or using coupons lowers your costs.
Credit cards offer rewards to help you save money and stretch what you have. A little planning can mean big savings.
To learn more: 15 Most Effective Credit Card Hacks and Rewards
Download maps ahead of time to save data
Phone data can run out quickly on the road. Downloading maps in advance saves your data plan. This avoids extra charges or slow speeds.
You’ll still find your way without needing the internet. You can do the same for your podcast in advance as well. It’s a smart way to plan ahead and save.
To learn more: 14 Fun Budget-Friendly Activities to Do with Your Family
Bring games and music to avoid extra entertainment costs
Long drives can get boring. Bringing your own fun keeps people happy. Games, music, or books cost less than stopping for paid activities.
Plus, it helps pass the time without spending extra. A little planning keeps things fun and cheap. You can even opt to learn about a new topic.
To learn more: Top 15 Ideas of Productive Things to Do When Broke
Limit souvenir spending
Souvenirs can get pricey, especially at tourist shops!! And your kids will be begging for them. Picking one small item or skipping them saves cash. Photos and memories are free.
If you do buy something, set a limit. Staying mindful helps keep spending under control.
To learn more: 20 Fun Savings Challenges to Teach Kids about Money
Use a cooler to keep food fresh
A cooler makes it easy to bring your own meals. It keeps food fresh and safe to eat. This means fewer stops for snacks or meals.
You save money and still eat well. It’s simple and works great for road trips.
To learn more: 20 Smart Money Saving Ideas to Save Money on Groceries with Rising Inflation
Take advantage of free hotel breakfasts
Many hotels offer free breakfast, so one less meal to buy. Eating before heading out saves time and money. If you have teenagers, you may want to make an extra meal to keep in the fridge for later.
Look for places that include breakfast when booking and don’t charge an extra fee. It’s a small thing that helps your travel budget.
To learn more: No Spend Grocery Challenge: How to Eat for Less
Book accommodations early for better deals
Booking places to stay ahead of time often means lower prices. Waiting too long can lead to higher costs or fewer options. The experts recommend booking travel plans at least 4-6 months in advance.
Given, many places allow free cancellations, this is an easy way to lock in prices. It’s one of the easiest ways to save on the road.
To learn more: 14 Top Secret Tips to Stop Overspending and Save Money
Avoid tourist traps and shop local
Tourist spots often charge more for food and items. Local shops and diners usually have better prices. You get more value and help small businesses.
My trick is to look for restaurants that have 4+ stars with glowing recent reviews. Skipping overpriced spots keeps more money in your pocket. It’s a smart way to travel.
To learn more: 62 Fun Things to do with Friends: Activities for Friends To Do
Drive at steady speeds to save gas
Speeding up and slowing down a lot burns more gas. Driving steadily helps your car use less fuel. That means fewer stops for gas and more money saved.
While it may be hard not to put the pedal to the metal, it will make the ride smoother. Easy driving is better for your wallet.
To learn more: 10 Crazy Simple Smart Saving Strategies You Need to Know
Make sure you have the proper travel essentials
Saving money on road trips doesn’t mean missing out on fun. With a little planning and the right habits, it’s easy to cut costs and still have a great time on the road.
From packing snacks to finding free things to do, these small choices make a big difference. It’s all about keeping things simple, smart, and budget-friendly.
Before you head out, make sure you’ve got the right travel essentials. Being prepared helps avoid extra spending and keeps your trip running smoothly. For more smart tips on frugal living and money-saving ideas, follow Money Bliss and stay ready for the road ahead.
To learn more: 85 Travel Essentials: The Travel Must Haves for your Next Trip
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