In the last few years, I’ve taken numerous road trips and along the way I’ve picked up safety and money saving tips. Whether it’s a short getaway or a multi-day, cross-country adventure – I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help you have an incredible journey! To help you prepare, a free printable road trip guide is available in the Resource Library.
For ideas on possible U.S. road trips, check out my itineraries for Arizona, coastal Maine, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Transportation
Fill up early
- There are often long stretches of road without gas stations.
- Gas stations right off the highway can be more expensive than those just down the road.
- Download an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas along the route. Input your location into the app and it shows the prices around you.
Use comparison websites to find good deals
Before booking, compare rates on websites like RentalCars, Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline.
Don’t buy rental car insurance
Rental car insurance is overpriced and usually unnecessary. Many credit cards and some regular car insurance policies will cover rental car insurance. Check with your credit card or car insurance company to be sure.
Research with Google Maps
- Review your route – more than once I have been directed to a narrow, pothole-filled, gravel road on the side of a mountain when there were alternate routes that were just slightly longer.
- In your Google Maps settings, check “avoid tolls.” Often the quickest route is only minutes faster and tolls add up. Some cities will have unavoidable tolls.
Maps for reference – either paper maps or offline maps
- Because cell service isn’t reliable everywhere – have paper copies or download the offline map before traveling. You can have a foldable paper map, print paper copies, or use Google Maps to download offline directions. More than once I have needed to use one of these when my phone’s GPS failed me.
- Maps.me is a free app that lets you download maps you can use offline without cell service. Open the app and zoom in on the travel area. Tap the country or city name on the map and then tap the download icon.
Use public transportation or rideshare companies
To avoid high parking fees in downtown areas, park at your accommodation and take public transportation or rideshare apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
Accommodation
Show loyalty to your favorite hotel chains or booking systems
Loyalty will pay off with free nights, discounts, or deals.
Stay in rental properties such as Airbnb or Vrbo
- These services often calculate 2 guests to a double bed. A place may say it sleeps 4 but it could have only 2 beds. Keep this in mind if you are not all couples or don’t want to share. You can filter the number of beds instead.
- Photos can be very telling. I like to see good quality photos of every room. If rooms or entire sections of rooms (like shower in the bathroom) are missing photos, I start to wonder why. Use your own judgement based on the listing and reviews.
Group all your travel apps together
If you have way too many apps like me, it helps to group all your travel apps together in a folder, so they are easier to find.
Food
Have water available in the car or trunk
Either buy water bottles or large water jugs. Water jugs can be filled up at campgrounds and drinking fountains to limit plastic use. Depending on where you are traveling, clean water can be hard to find so having a guaranteed water supply is key.
Use a cooler
A good insulated cooler will keep your food fresh and limit waste. Reusable ice packs are helpful or coolers can be filled with ice at hotel ice machines.
Book hotels with free breakfasts
Many hotels offer free breakfast in the room price. This eliminates having to pay out-of-pocket for one meal a day.
Stay in vacation rental properties
Airbnb and Vrbo properties often offer access to a kitchen. You can cook your own meals to save money. Having your own kitchen is great for travelers with dietary restrictions. The kitchen gives control over what you eat when it is hard to find vegan or allergy-free foods.
Eat like a local
Research restaurants that serve local specialties or are unique to the area. You can also ask locals where they eat to discover hidden gems. The top-rated spots on travel websites may be more expensive and packed with other tourists.
Avoid eating out at night
Some restaurants have increased prices during dinner or nighttime hours. Try enjoying these places for breakfast or lunch if you can to save money.
Things to Do
Invest in a national park pass
If you plan to visit multiple U.S. national parks, I suggest you invest in an America the Beautiful Pass. An $80 annual pass lasts for a year from purchase. I have purchased multiple annual passes and they have often paid for themselves in one trip.
Plan splurges in advance
It can be easy to overspend on vacation because it is “vacation.” Limit your costs by planning your big purchases ahead of time. Before booking an activity ask yourself:
- Is the activity something the area is known for or can I do it at home?
- Will I regret spending the money or regret not experiencing it?
Avoid tours and heavily touristed areas
- Organized tours can be very expensive. Some activities you can’t do on your own, but avoid tours where possible to save money. Review the tour’s website and itinerary to create your own tour for the spots that interest you.
- Heavily touristed areas are commonly overpriced. Restaurants and souvenir shops near tourist destinations are expensive due to convenience. People will charge a fee to take your photo when a stranger can take one for free.
Find free activities
You can explore beaches, art galleries, museums, parks, and outdoor markets. There are also picnics and hiking areas. Depending on when you visit, there might be free festival activities.
Before You Go
If you’re taking your own car
Do car maintenance before your road trip – check that you’ve had a recent oil change, that your tires are not worn down, and whether you need a quick air adjustment.
If you’re renting a car
- Choose a travel insurance policy or credit card that offers emergency roadside coverage. That way you are not stranded from overheating or with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere.
- Carry a copy of your car insurance policy and the relevant contact numbers.
Want more tips for car rentals? Check out my 10 Tips for Renting a Car and How to Save While Doing It.
What to bring in the car
- Always make sure to stock up on some favorite snacks and drinks for the road
- Pack a first aid or survival kit for the car
- Itinerary and accommodation confirmation copies
- Portable charger and/or USB cord – necessary if you’re using your phone for GPS or need it for accommodation confirmations or app check-ins
- Spare money for tolls or fees
- Flashlight
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Want more emergency kit essentials and nice-to-haves? Check out my Car Emergency Kit Essentials.
Cleaning / Organization
Travel with napkins and utensils to make eating easier on the go
Have a trash bag in the car for easy cleanup
- I have a small, fabric trash can that loops around my passenger headrest. It’s so easy to reach over an throw things away.
- If you don’t want to buy a car-specific trash can, another option is to make your own. A popular idea is to line a plastic cereal container with a bag. These containers tend to have sealable lids which stop trash from spilling on the floor and keep smells contained.
Bring antibacterial hand wipes
Wipes like Wet Ones easily clean hands as well as spills.
Organize to make trips easier
- Shoe hangers can become back-of-seat organizers by hanging them from the front seat headrests. Older children can reach for their own snacks and entertainment while the organizer stays out of reach from younger kids in car seats.
- Trunk organizers can be used on passenger seats to hold food and essentials like tissues.
- There are narrow organizers that fit between the seat and center console to stop small items from falling in the gap.
