25+ Ways to Save Money On a Road Trip

It’s no secret, that traveling isn’t cheap. In addition to food, gas, lodging, and entertainment there are also hidden costs like servicing your vehicle, buying clothes, purchasing essentials, and so much more. But with smart planning, and these money-saving tips, you can cut costs and still have an amazing adventure!

Table of Contents

Ways to Save Money on a Road Trip 🚗💰

🚙 Saving on Gas

Use Gas Price Apps – Apps like GasBuddy or Google Maps help find the cheapest gas nearby.
Fill Up in Small Towns – Gas is often cheaper outside major cities or tourist areas.
Use Fuel Rewards Programs – Sign up for rewards at Shell, BP, Sam’s, BJ’s, or Costco for discounts.
Drive Efficiently – Avoid aggressive acceleration, use cruise control, turn on Eco Mode, and reduce excess weight.
Bring a Gas Can – If you’re heading to remote areas, a spare gas can prevent costly emergency fill-ups.

The cost of gas can add up quickly when you’re on a long road trip. We have memberships at Sam’s and BJ’s, so we gas up there whenever possible. We use our BJ’s card anywhere we get gas, so we can earn money to use on future purchases.

We also follow the suggestions listed under the “Drive Efficiently” bullet. This helps us get the most bang for our buck when it comes to gas.

🏨 Saving on Lodging

Stay in Budget Hotels – Use Hotwire, Priceline Express Deals, or Motel 6 for cheaper rates.
Camp Instead of Hotels – Use apps like iOverlander or FreeRoam to find free or cheap campsites.
Use Hotel Points or Credit Card Rewards – Book stays using travel points from credit cards.
Try Hostels or Airbnb – Shared accommodations can be cheaper than hotels.
Sleep in Your Car (Safely) – Rest stops, Walmart parking lots, or designated overnight spots can be free options.

When I book our hotel rooms, I tend to stick with IHG hotels. We earn points towards a free stay (or perks) with each booking. Before I book, I shop around to see if any other brand has a better offer. If I find a better deal, I’ll sign up for that hotel chain’s loyalty program before booking our stay.

🍔 Saving on Food

Pack a Cooler & Snacks – Stock up on groceries from Walmart or Aldi to avoid expensive restaurants.
Make Meals at Rest Stops – Use a portable stove or sandwich supplies to eat on the go.
Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts – Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast.
Use Fast-Food Apps – McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Subway often have discounts or free items with their apps.
Split Meals – Portion sizes at restaurants are often large—share a meal to cut costs.
Refill Water Bottles – Instead of buying bottled water, use gas stations or public fountains.

We save quite a bit of money by packing our own snacks and lunches on travel days. On our 6-day Mason-Dixon Road Trip, I packed bread, peanut butter, jelly, spray cheese, and summer sausage for our lunches each day. We also had a tote full of snacks that the kids could much on in the car or at the hotel. This helped cut down on costs quite a bit!

Additionally, we almost always stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast. We’ll grab fresh fruit, bottles of water, or muffins to munch on later.

🛣️ Saving on Attractions & Activities

Look for Free Attractions – Many national parks, historic sites, and scenic spots are free or low-cost.
Get a National Parks Pass – If visiting multiple parks, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) can save you money.
Check for City Passes & Discount Days – Museums and attractions often have free or discount days.
Use Groupon or Local Deal Sites – Find discounts on tours, activities, and food.

🛠️ Saving on Car Expenses

Do a Pre-Trip Car Check – Avoid costly repairs by checking tires, fluids, and brakes before leaving.
Use Credit Cards with Rental Car Coverage – If renting a car, some credit cards offer free insurance.
Bring a Roadside Emergency Kit – Avoid pricey roadside assistance for small fixes.

📶 Saving on Connectivity & Extras

Download Maps Offline – Avoid using data by downloading Google Maps offline.
Use Public WiFi – Libraries, cafes, and McDonald’s offer free WiFi to save on mobile data.
Bring a Power Bank – Avoid paying for charging stations or extra cords.

💳 Bonus: Use Cashback & Rewards

Use a Cashback Credit Card – Earn cashback on gas, food, and hotels with travel-friendly credit cards.
Track Expenses – Apps like Trail Wallet or Splitwise help manage road trip costs.

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Learn how we plan our road trips, see how we pack our car, and check out our playlist for inspiration for your trip!