Cost Saving Hacks for your Summer Road Trip

Since gas station prices can fluctuate wildly, don’t settle for the first stop along the way. You can download a gas price comparison app to find the cheapest stations along your route. Major grocery retailers also have gas station rewards programs (you might be earning fuel points already with every purchase you make).

It’s also worth noting that driving habits can greatly impact fuel efficiency. Maintain a steady speed, use cruise control on highways when possible, and avoid rapid acceleration and braking. Reducing your vehicle’s weight by removing unnecessary items and ensuring proper tire inflation also improves gas mileage.

Pro tip: gas prices tend to be lower in the mornings and evenings and more affordable in smaller towns versus larger metro areas, so plan your fill-ups accordingly.

While there’s no shame in the occasional fast-food stop, inflation has impacted our wallets here, too—the price of America’s favorite meal has risen dramatically, with a burgers and fries combo costing as much as $20 depending on your city.

Pack a large cooler with drinks, snacks, and simple meals like sandwiches and fruit. Look for scenic pit stops or parks along your route that can double as a good picnic spot. If you’re planning to do any camping, you can also pack a portable grill or cook over the firepit—just be aware of any burn bans in place first.

Wanting variety but not wanting to shell out for restaurant pricing? Find out whether there are any farmers markets or food trucks in the vicinity that can offer a fresh and budget-friendly alternative.

An obvious benefit of summer travel is warmer weather for camping. Check out the available sites at nearby campgrounds—an option that’s a fraction of what you’ll pay at a hotel or Airbnb, with the added benefit of connecting to nature on your trip.

If the idea of sleeping on the forest floor isn’t your (or your back’s) idea of a good time, think outside the box and consider hostels. Beyond the typical dorm-style room sharing, which might not be for everyone, some hostels offer single rooms if you’re willing to pay a little extra for privacy.

Pro tip: if you’re committed to sticking with affordable hotel chains on your trip, join hotel loyalty programs which offer discounts, free night promotions, and other member perks that can cut down on your overall accommodation costs.

Experiencing some city culture doesn’t have to mean spending a lot on entertainment. Spend some time exploring local websites or calendars for a rundown of summer festivals, movies in the park, lawn concerts, museums with free admission days, or scenic hikes that you might hit along the way.

Traveling past or through a major city? Beyond the better-known sites like TripAdvisor which boast “Top Things to Do” lists, apps like The Nudge send you suggested video itineraries from locals so you can discover hidden gems.

• Strategize Packing: When you’re packing for your trip, opt for versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need to overpack the car with luggage (more room for food and/or camping gear if you’re skipping hotels)
• Embrace Reusable Alternatives: Bring along reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers to avoid single-use plastic purchases. This will save you money at gas stations and grocery stores and reduce your environmental footprint.
• Entertainment on the Go: If you have a spendy cellular data plan you don’t want to rely on during your trip, download audiobooks, podcasts, and music playlists beforehand so you can listen guilt-free.
• Be Flexible: Be open to changing your plans based on mid-week pricing promotions, or last-minute deals that could help you save.

Need some guidance on setting up your summer budget before your road trip? Our partners at BECU have some pointers on budgeting for summer fun and using the 50/30/20 rule when prioritizing spending.