Road trips offer freedom that other travel can't match—your own schedule, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, and the open road. Here's how to do it without breaking the bank.
Vehicle Cost Calculations
Rental vs. Personal Car
Calculate honestly:
- Rental: Daily rate + insurance + gas + mileage fees (if any)
- Personal: Gas + wear/tear allowance (IRS rate: ~$0.67/mile) + potential repairs
Short trips often favor personal cars. Longer trips or high-mileage routes may favor rentals that shift wear to someone else.
Rental Savings Tips
- Book through Costco Travel, Autoslash for best rates
- Check if your credit card provides insurance
- Rent compact for better gas mileage
- Airport locations often have fees—off-site may be cheaper
- Return with full tank to avoid refueling charges
Route Efficiency
How you drive matters as much as what you drive:
- Loop routes: Avoid backtracking, maximize new scenery
- Avoid highways: When time allows, scenic routes are more rewarding
- Cluster attractions: Don't zigzag—plan geographically sensible routes
- Consider driving time: 6+ hours daily gets exhausting fast
Camping vs. Motels
The accommodation question defines road trip budgets:
Camping
- $0-40/night depending on type (free dispersed to nice campgrounds)
- Requires gear (or rental)
- Weather dependent
- Most immersive experience
Budget Motels
- $60-100/night typically
- Predictable comfort
- More driving flexibility (no reservation pressure)
- Real showers and beds
Hybrid Approach
Many road trippers mix both—camp when conditions are ideal, motel when needed.
Food Strategy
- Cooler essential: Pack perishables, keep costs down
- Breakfast supplies: Coffee, fruit, bread—never pay restaurant breakfast prices on the road
- Picnic lunches: Rest stops and scenic overlooks beat fast food
- One restaurant meal: Dinner as the daily treat
- Grocery stops: Restock every 2-3 days
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Oil change and fluid check
- Tire inspection (including spare)
- Test all lights and signals
- Check brakes
- Emergency kit: jumper cables, flashlight, first aid
Budget Sample: 7-Day Road Trip
Example: San Francisco to Seattle (Pacific Coast Highway)
- Gas (1,500 miles, 30mpg, $4/gallon): $200
- Camping (5 nights at $25 average): $125
- Motels (2 nights at $80): $160
- Food ($35/day average): $245
- Activities (parks, one whale watching): $100
- Total: $830
Split between two people: $415 each for a week-long adventure.
Hidden Costs to Budget
- National park entrance fees ($35 per park, or $80 annual pass)
- Parking in cities
- Tolls (can add up quickly on East Coast)
- Laundry
- Cell phone data for navigation