17 Cheap Travel Tips: How To Plan A Family Road Trip On a Budget

Learn how to plan an unforgettable family road trip on a budget. This post will list 17 tips on how to travel with your family without breaking the bank!

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how to plan a family road trip on a budget

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How To Plan A Family Road Trip On A Budget

Family road trips are a wonderful way to bond, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories. However, it can quickly become expensive if not properly planned. This blog post is designed to help you plan a family road trip on a budget, ensuring that you can enjoy the journey without breaking the bank. By following our 17 tips, you’ll learn how to create a detailed plan, write a realistic budget, and track your spending throughout the trip. Additionally, we’ll share travel hacks that can save you money on everything from accommodations to dining and entertainment.

First, we’ll guide you through the initial stages of planning your road trip. This includes choosing a destination, mapping out your route, and setting a daily budget for various expenses. You’ll learn how to estimate costs for fuel, food, lodging, and activities, ensuring that you have a clear financial picture before you hit the road. We’ll also provide tips on how to use budgeting apps and tools to keep track of your spending, so you can adjust your plans as needed and avoid unexpected financial surprises.

Next, we’ll dive into specific travel hacks that can help you save money. From finding the best deals on accommodations to preparing cost-effective meals on the go, these practical tips are designed to stretch your dollar further. We’ll explore options like camping, staying in budget-friendly hotels, or using rental properties, and share advice on how to score discounts and freebies along the way.

Lastly, we’ll discuss ways to entertain the whole family without splurging. Whether it’s visiting free local attractions, enjoying nature, or making use of membership benefits like national park passes, there are plenty of ways to have fun without spending a fortune. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to plan an unforgettable family road trip that’s both enjoyable and economical.

This blog post will offer 17 helpful tips on how to plan a family road trip on a budget.

1. Start With A Plan

This first thing to do while planning a road trip is to start with the actual plan. Where would you like to go on your trip? How many days do you plan on being on the road?

These are all vital questions when planning cheap road trips, will help you save a lot of money, and will serve as the first step to planning a roap trip and sticking to a budget. It is important to first set a plan with a destination and an estimation of time because after that you can start filling in the blanks as far as how much you will spend on travel expenses like lodging, food, and gas.

Are there any specific things on your trip that you want to do? It is a great idea to write this plan down on paper or in the notes section of your phone so you can refer back to it later.

A few resources that I love to use while planning road trips are:

- - - Google Maps – to plan out how long my drive times will take.
    - Roadtrippers – An AMAZING online service that helps you plan your trip digitally and suggests acitivities and must-see places such as national parks and iconic landmarks on your way. Get $5 off by using the link above, or use code “BTR5QTP” when you sign up!

2. Look For Free Or Cheap Activities On Your Route

free activites - family road trip budgeting

The next step to planning an inexpensive family road trip is finding free activities that you and your family can enjoy while saving money. You definitely do not have to spend a lot of money to have a good time!

The best way to find free or cheap activites is by googling “free and inexpensive activities in_______” (fill in the blank with your destination, or stops that you plan on making while traveling). This should give you a good list of inexpensive activities, depending on what season you will be traveling in.

If you can’t find anything by searching, here are a few ideas for free things to do:

- - - Free museums (most museums have a weekly or monthly day with free entry, and some are even free every day with donations welcomed!
    - Historical Sites
    - Splash Pads
    - Parks
    - Beaches
    - State or National Parks – Most state and national parks have a free day every month.
    - Swimming in lakes
    - Geocaching
    - Community events like street fairs and farms markets (cheap since you only need to worry about food costs)
    - Free walking tours

3. Make a Budget And Commit To Sticking To It

Sticking to a road trip budget is crucial for ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. A well-planned budget helps you manage your finances effectively, allowing each family member to enjoy the trip without constant worry about overspending. By setting and adhering to a budget, you create a financial framework that guides your spending, ensuring you allocate funds to essential categories such as fuel, food, lodging, and entertainment. This proactive approach helps prevent financial strain and allows you to handle unexpected costs that may arise, such as car repairs or medical emergencies, without derailing your entire trip.

Budget categories for a road trip typically include:

- - - Fuel
    - Accommodations
    - Groceries
    - Eating out at restaurants
    - Activities and entertainment
    - Souvenirs
    - Emergency funds

Fuel is often one of the largest expenses, so planning your route and monitoring fuel prices can save a significant amount. A great resource to use while planning your trip is GasBuddy – they have a trip cost planner that estimates how much fuel will cost you, as well as an interactive map that shows the cheapest gas around you.

Accommodations can vary widely in cost, so consider a mix of camping, and budget hotels to manage expenses. I will go further into depth in this subject later in this post.

Food costs can be controlled by preparing meals and snacks ahead of time and limiting dining out. Setting aside funds for activities and entertainment ensures that you can enjoy attractions and events without impulsive overspending. An emergency fund is essential for covering unexpected costs, providing peace of mind that you’re prepared for any surprises.

Moreover, involving each family member in the budgeting process can foster a sense of teamwork and responsibility, making the trip a collective effort rather than a solo financial burden. Sticking to a road trip budget requires discipline and planning, but it pays off by allowing you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest without financial stress. By maintaining control over your spending and anticipating potential costs, you ensure that your road trip remains a joyful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

4. Track Your Spending With A Budgeting App

Tracking your spending on a family road trip is crucial for maintaining financial control and ensuring that you stay within your budget. Road trips, while exciting, can come with numerous unplanned expenses such as extra fuel, unexpected dining costs, and spur-of-the-moment attractions. By diligently monitoring your expenditures, you can avoid the stress of overspending and ensure that you have sufficient funds for the entire journey.

Effective budget tracking helps in making informed decisions, such as choosing between a lavish meal and a memorable activity, without financial strain. Moreover, keeping an eye on your spending allows for better allocation of funds, ensuring essential expenses are covered and preventing financial surprises that can dampen the fun of your trip.

Rocket Money is an excellent app for managing your road trip expenses. This user-friendly app provides a comprehensive overview of your finances, making it easier to track every dollar spent. Rocket Money allows you to categorize expenses, set budgets, and receive alerts when you are nearing your spending limits. Its intuitive interface and detailed reporting features help you understand your spending patterns and make adjustments on the go.

Additionally, Rocket Money offers features such as subscription tracking and bill negotiation, ensuring you are not only keeping tabs on your road trip spending but also optimizing your overall financial health. With Rocket Money, you can enjoy your family road trip with peace of mind, knowing your finances are well-managed.

5. Pack Your Own Food

pack lunches - family road trip budgeting

Preparing and packing your own food is one of the easiest ways to save money and time on your family trip. One of the primary advantages is the substantial savings on food costs. Eating out frequently at restaurants or fast food joints can quickly deplete your food budget. By planning and preparing your own meals, you have control over the ingredients and portions, allowing you to stretch your budget further.

Grocery stores offer a variety of affordable options for meals and snacks, enabling you to buy in bulk and take advantage of discounts and deals. This approach not only helps in maintaining a healthy diet but also reduces the temptation to overspend on impulse purchases and high-priced fast food.

Additionally, having your own meals ready means fewer unplanned stops, saving both time and money. It also provides the flexibility to enjoy meals in scenic spots, turning lunch breaks into memorable picnic experiences. By packing a cooler with pre-made sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and beverages, you ensure that your family has nutritious options readily available throughout the trip. (This is my favorite roadtrip cooler -it’s cute and compact, and keeps things COLD!)

A snackle box is also a great tool on roadtrips if you have kiddos and want to bring an assortment of snacks in a compact container.

Some of my favorite roadtrip snacks to pack are:

- - Sandwiches
  - Pretzels
  - Nuts and seends
  - Fruit, such as apple slices
  - Crackers
  - Beef jerky
  - Protein shakes
  - Granola bars
  - Cheese sticks

6. Use GasBuddy

Budgeting for gas is important on a family road trip to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Fuel is often one of the largest expenses on a road trip, and without proper planning, costs can quickly spiral out of control. By budgeting for gas, you can allocate your finances more effectively, ensuring that you have sufficient funds for other essential aspects of your trip such as lodging, food, and entertainment.

Knowing how much you need to set aside for fuel also helps in planning your route more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary detours that can lead to extra costs.

GasBuddy is an excellent app for managing your fuel expenses on a road trip. This app helps you find the cheapest gas prices in your area or along your route, ensuring you get the best deal every time you fill up. GasBuddy’s user-friendly interface allows you to search for gas stations by price, location, and even amenities, making it easier to plan your stops strategically.

The app also offers features such as a fuel log to track your spending and a trip cost calculator to estimate your total fuel expenses for the trip. By using GasBuddy, you can make informed decisions about where and when to refuel, ultimately saving money and sticking to your budget. With GasBuddy, you can focus on enjoying your family road trip, confident that your gas expenses are under control.

GasBuddy can be especially helpful on long drives when you are looking for gas in locations that you are not familiar with!

7. Get A Costco Membership

One of my FAVORITE roadtrip tips that I give to everyone is to sign up with Costco. It can save you so much money! Having a Costco membership can be incredibly advantageous for a family road trip, especially if you plan on stopping in several major cities, since that is where Costco Warehouses are typically located.

One of the primary perks is access to less expensive gas. Costco gas stations typically offer fuel at prices lower than those found at regular gas stations, allowing you to save significantly on one of the largest expenses of your trip. These savings can quickly add up, especially on long journeys, ensuring your budget stretches further.

In addition to affordable fuel, a Costco membership provides access to bulk snacks and groceries, which are perfect for road trips. Purchasing snacks and meal items in bulk not only reduces the per-unit cost but also ensures you have plenty of supplies for the duration of your trip. This can prevent frequent, costly stops at convenience stores and enable healthier, more varied eating options on the go. Whether you need granola bars, trail mix, or bottled water, buying in bulk at Costco keeps your family well-fed without breaking the bank.

Another significant benefit is the availability of inexpensive and tasty meals from the Costco food court. Known for its budget-friendly prices, the food court offers items like hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches, which can provide a quick and affordable lunch option during your travels. These meals are not only economical but also convenient and DELICIOUS, allowing for a quick lunch before getting back on the road.

Overall, a Costco membership offers multiple financial advantages and conveniences that can greatly enhance a family road trip, making it a smart investment for cost-conscious travelers.

8. Avoid Buying Food At Gas Stations

Buying food at gas stations is generally more expensive than purchasing from grocery stores or bringing your own food on a road trip. Gas stations often mark up the prices of food items due to their convenience factor. They cater to travelers who need quick, easy access to snacks and drinks, and this convenience comes at a premium. Additionally, gas stations typically have a limited selection, which means fewer opportunities to buy in bulk or take advantage of sales, further driving up costs.

In contrast, grocery stores offer a wider variety of items at lower prices, especially when buying in bulk or taking advantage of discounts. By planning ahead and packing your own meals and snacks, you can significantly reduce your food expenses. Bringing your own food also allows you to choose healthier options and avoid the high sugar and sodium content often found in gas station snacks. Overall, the cost savings and health benefits of preparing your own food or shopping at grocery stores make it a more economical and sensible choice for road trips.

9. Use Apps To Save Money On Lodging

Budgeting when booking hotels on a road trip is essential to ensure that you manage your finances effectively and enjoy your trip without financial stress. Accommodation can be one of the most significant expenses on a road trip, and without careful planning, it can quickly consume a large portion of your budget.

By setting a clear budget for lodging, you can allocate funds wisely, ensuring you have enough for other crucial aspects of your trip, such as food, gas, and activities. Budgeting also helps in making informed decisions about where to stay, balancing comfort and cost, and avoiding last-minute bookings, which are often more expensive.

Booking.com is a great option for managing your hotel bookings. The app has a super easy interface and provides a comprehensive database of hotels, motels, and other accommodations. The app allows you to filter searches based on your preferences such as price range, amenities, and location, making it easier to find suitable options within your budget.

Booking.com also features user reviews and ratings, giving you insights into the quality and value of the accommodations. The platform’s flexibility in booking and cancellation policies adds convenience, ensuring you can adapt your plans as needed without financial penalties.

By using this tool you can effectively budget for your accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and financially manageable road trip experience.

10. Prioritize Hotels With Free Stuff

Booking hotels that offer free amentites such as continental breakfast, pools, and gyms can significantly enhance your road trip experience while providing great value for money. A complimentary breakfast saves you both time and money each morning, allowing you to start your day with a nutritious meal without the hassle of finding and paying for a restaurant. Pools provide a refreshing way to unwind and entertain family members after a long day of driving, while gyms help maintain your fitness routine on the road, contributing to overall well-being.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is a favorable option for road trippers seeking budget-friendly accommodations with these amenities. Known for their affordability, Home2 Suites offers a variety of free amenities, including a hearty continental breakfast, access to fitness centers, and inviting pool areas. These features not only enhance your comfort but also maximize your travel budget by reducing extra costs. Choosing a hotel like Home2 Suites by Hilton ensures you have the necessary conveniences to make your road trip more enjoyable and cost-effective.

11. Use A Credit Card For Points

Using credit cards with a reward points component while on a road trip can provide substantial financial benefits and added convenience. Reward points accumulate with every purchase,allowing you to redeem them for travel expenses, accommodations, dining, and even cash back, ultimately stretching your travel budget further. This is especially useful on a road trip where expenses can add up quickly. By using a rewards credit card, you can offset some of these costs, making your trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Several credit cards offer favorable reward points systems:

Capital One offers the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which provides double miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel expenses.
Discover offers the Discover it® Cash Back card, which provides cash back on rotating categories, including gas stations and restaurants, helping you save on essential road trip expenses.
American Express cards, such as the American Express® Gold Card, offer generous points on dining and groceries, ensuring you earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Using these credit cards on your road trip not only simplifies your spending but also enhances your overall travel experience through valuable rewards and benefits. Remember to use Credit Karma to keep track of your credit score!

12. Sign Up For Hotel Loyalty Programs

Utilizing hotel loyalty programs is highly beneficial when road tripping and traveling, as they offer numerous perks that can enhance your travel experience and provide significant savings. These programs reward frequent guests with points for each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other exclusive benefits. This not only helps in reducing accommodation costs but also adds a level of comfort and convenience to your journey.

Several notable hotel loyalty programs include Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Hilton Honors allows members to earn points on stays at Hilton properties, which can be redeemed for free nights and other rewards. Members also enjoy benefits such as digital check-in and late checkout.

IHG Rewards Club, associated with Holiday Inn Express and other IHG hotels, offers points that can be redeemed for free nights, travel experiences, and merchandise. Members receive additional perks like complimentary Wi-Fi and extended checkout times.

Marriott Bonvoy provides points for stays at Marriott properties, which can be used for free nights, travel packages, and exclusive experiences. Members also benefit from room upgrades, mobile check-in, and late checkout.

By participating in these loyalty programs, road trippers can enjoy a more rewarding and cost-effective travel experience.

13. Get Cash Back With Rakuten

Using Rakuten can be a highly effective way to save money while shopping, both online and in-store, and yes – even when you are traveling! Rakuten is a popular cashback app that partners with thousands of retailers to offer users a percentage of their purchase back as cash rewards. The process is simple: after creating a free account, you can browse through Rakuten’s extensive list of partnered stores, click on the store link through the app or website, and make your purchase as usual. Rakuten tracks your purchase and credits your account with the cash back percentage offered by the retailer.

The app also features special deals, discounts, and promotional codes that can increase your savings. You can opt to receive your cashback via PayPal or check, typically on a quarterly basis. Additionally, Rakuten offers a browser extension that alerts you to cash back opportunities while you shop online, ensuring you never miss a chance to earn rewards. With its user-friendly interface and extensive network of retailers, Rakuten makes it easy to earn cash back on everyday purchases, enhancing your overall shopping experience by making it more economical and rewarding.

14. Book Hotels In Advance

Booking hotels in advance when traveling or going on a road trip is a smart strategy that can lead to significant financial savings and provide peace of mind. By securing your accommodations early, you can take advantage of lower rates and special promotions that are often available for early bookings. This is particularly beneficial during peak travel seasons when hotel prices can surge due to high demand. Additionally, booking in advance allows you to compare prices across various hotels and select the best deal, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

Advance booking also eliminates the stress and uncertainty of finding a place to stay at the last minute, which often leads to higher costs and limited choices. Many hotels offer discounts for non-refundable, pre-paid bookings, further reducing your travel expenses. Planning ahead enables you to budget more effectively, allocate funds for other aspects of your trip, and avoid unexpected financial surprises.

15. Consider An RV Rental

Renting an RV for a road trip can be a financially smart decision, offering several cost-saving advantages compared to driving a car. One of the main benefits is the ample space for belongings, eliminating the need for additional storage solutions or the discomfort of a packed car.

An RV’s built-in appliances, such as a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, allow you to cook meals on the go, significantly reducing the expense of dining out. This not only saves money but also provides healthier and more personalized meal options.

Furthermore, an RV combines transportation and accommodation, saving you the cost of hotels and giving you the flexibility to stay in scenic, often more affordable, campgrounds. This dual function also saves time, as you don’t need to check in and out of hotels or search for dining options.

The convenience of having everything in one place makes travel more efficient and enjoyable. Overall, renting an RV can be a cost-effective way to enhance your road trip experience, offering comfort, flexibility, and significant savings.

16. Use Correct Settings On Google Maps

Using the correct Google Maps settings is SO IMPORTANT for a fuel-efficient and budget-friendly road trip. By selecting options such as the most fuel-efficient route, you can minimize fuel consumption and save money on gas. Google Maps can also help you avoid toll roads and traffic congestion, both of which can increase travel costs and time.

Additionally, enabling real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions ensures that you stay on the best path, avoiding unnecessary detours that waste fuel. By optimizing your Google Maps settings, you ensure a smoother, more economical journey, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about excessive fuel costs.

17. Sign Up With AAA (Just In Case!)

unexpected accidents - family road trip budgeting

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Signing up with AAA before embarking on a road trip is a smart move for a hassle-free and secure journey. AAA membership offers numerous benefits such as roadside assistance for emergencies like flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts, ensuring you’re never stranded on the road. Additionally, AAA provides travel discounts on hotels, car rentals, and attractions, helping you save a lot of money throughout your trip. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you have reliable support in case of unexpected issues is invaluable. By joining AAA, you enhance your road trip experience with added safety, savings, and convenience, allowing you to focus on making memorable adventures.

Thank you for reading my post about how to plan a family road trip on a budget. I hope you found a few tips for planning affordable family vacations, and now you are ready to get out there on the open road! Let me know in the comments below which tip is your favorite, or if you have any tips to add!