If you’re planning a budget friendly road trip, here’s a breakdown of what we spent on a 46-day journey and some tips to keep costs low. Our total expenses were $3,581.53, which breaks down to about $38.9 per person per day. Here’s how it all added up:

Expenses Breakdown:

1. Activities: $132

• This included things like a ferry ride and other small outings. We kept activities to a minimum to stay within budget.

2. Lodging: $1,085

• Camping was our primary accommodation, which saved us a ton. We only stayed in hotels when absolutely necessary, such as during extreme heat in Death Valley. When possible, we stayed in more affordable national forest campgrounds or used Hipcamp, which is like Airbnb for camping. For example, instead of staying in expensive campsites in Grand Teton National Park, we camped in a nearby national forest for a third of the price. I would also like to note that my parents flew out to meet us in Sequoia, so those four nights in an Airbnb were free for us since my parents paid for it.

3. Gas: $1,714

• Gas was our largest expense, so we made an effort to save where we could. Filling up at Costco or in cities with competitive pricing helped a lot. If possible, avoid filling up near remote areas or just outside national parks, like Death Valley, where gas prices are exorbitant. We did this journey in a Ford Fusion, which got about 32 miles per gallon.

4. Food (Estimated): $650

• Unfortunately I didn’t keep track of groceries or dining because we always split the cost day of, but this is my rough estimate, which is reflected in the total. We prioritized affordable grocery stores like Walmart and Aldi whenever possible. However, in remote areas, we had to rely on pricier options. Keep in mind we had a lot of dehydrated meals premade that weren’t included in this cost but made up a good part of our meals. We also bought a lot of snacks before the journey and that isn’t reflected here either.

Additional Notes:

• Camping almost every night was the biggest factor in keeping our costs low. If you’re prepared to camp, it’s a game-changer for budget travel.
• We made sure to stock up on essentials before heading to remote areas to avoid paying premium prices for last-minute purchases.

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Road Trip:

1. Plan Gas Stops Strategically: Use apps to find the cheapest gas prices and fill up in cities with competition. Try to avoid gas stations near major tourist spots or remote areas.
2. Plan Campsites in Advance: Booking campsites ahead of time ensures you have a spot and avoids last-minute hotel stays, which can be costly if campgrounds are full.
3. Camp as Much as Possible: National forest campgrounds and Hipcamp can be significantly
cheaper than national park campsites and provide more availability. Always check nearby options.
4. Only Eat Out Strategically: Limit dining out to cities with a cool food scene or when you’re pressed for time. We rarely ate out, which helped us stay on budget.
5. Stock Up on Supplies: Buy non-perishable food, camping gear, and other necessities before starting your trip to avoid high costs in remote areas.
6. Be Flexible: If lodging or campsite prices are too high in one area, consider alternatives just outside the park or main tourist zones.

By following these strategies, we managed to keep our costs low and make the most of our 7-week adventure. With careful planning and a willingness to camp, a budget-friendly road trip is definitely achievable!