Road Trips 101: How to Plan, Pack & Save

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore — whether it’s across the U.S. or while traveling abroad! There’s something about hitting the open road that feels adventurous, flexible, and full of possibility. I love the freedom of being able to change plans on a whim, but also the simple joy of sightseeing as you drive — passing through small towns, shifting landscapes, and those quirky roadside stops you’d miss if you were flying.

And the best part? Road trips can be one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel if you plan smart. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite tips to help you plan, pack, and save for your next road trip so you can focus more on the adventure and less on the expense.

How to Plan

The first step in planning any vacation is choosing a destination, but with road trips, proximity is key. Whether you’re looking at a quick weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, knowing how far you want to drive can help you decide if you’ll spend most of your time in one place or make multiple stops along the way.

Personally, one of my favorite ways to road trip is by planning a circular route with several stops. Not only does this break up long stretches of driving, but it also turns the journey itself into part of the adventure. Sometimes those unexpected side stops end up being the most memorable part of the trip!

You also have the option to plan overnight stays at different destinations instead of rushing to one final spot. This lets you explore each place more thoroughly and soak in more experiences along the way. On the other hand, focusing on a single destination means you’ll have more time to dive deep into one location. There’s no “right” choice — it all depends on the type of trip you want, whether that’s variety and movement or slowing down in one spot.

Tools to Help Plan Your Road Trip Route

While it’s fun to be spontaneous, having the right tools makes road trip planning so much easier (and often cheaper!). Here are some of my favorites:

• Google Maps - Great for laying out your entire route, estimating drive times, and finding gas stations, restaurants, and attractions along the way. You can also download offline maps for areas with poor cell service.

• Roadtrippers - Perfect for discovering quirky roadside attractions, scenic drives, and hidden gems between destinations. It’s especially handy if you want to make your trip feel like an adventure, not just a commute.

• GasBuddy - Helps you find the cheapest gas along your route, which can really add up on a long trip.

• iOverlander / The Dyrt - Excellent if you’re camping or road tripping in a van. These apps help you find campgrounds, dispersed camping, and RV-friendly stops.

• Waze - A great navigation alternative that helps avoid traffic and alerts you to hazards or police ahead. I’ve also found this app to be especially helpful in foreign countries when getting directions to a destination. Sometimes Google Maps or Apple Maps doesn’t provide a route for you to follow.

• Rome2Rio - If your road trip involves multiple modes of transportation (ferries, buses, trains), this tool helps piece it all together. Another favorite I like to use when planning trips abroad to help me get the best deal with the most time efficiency.

How to Pack

Packing for a road trip can be tricky — you want to be prepared without feeling like you’ve moved your entire closet into your backseat. Over the years, I’ve found a balance between comfort, convenience, and budget-friendliness. Here’s my go-to list:

Essentials

• Driver’s license, registration, and car insurance (absolutely necessary)

• Wallet with debit/credit cards and some cash for tolls or small towns

• Reusable water bottle (bonus points if it keeps things cold all day!)

• Snacks — trail mix, granola bars, fruit, or anything that keeps you from impulse-buying gas station junk

• Sunglasses (trust me, squinting through an 8-hour drive isn’t fun)

Clothing

• Layers! Think T-shirts, sweatshirts, and a jacket for changing weather

• Comfortable shoes for driving and walking around at stops

  • My favorite driving shoes are my Birkenstocks, easy to slide on and not too tight on my feet for extra comfort

• One “nice” outfit just in case plans shift (like a surprise dinner or night out)

• Extra socks (I always end up needing more than I think)

• A hat for sun protection or bad hair days

Comfort & Entertainment'

• A killer playlist or downloaded podcasts/audiobooks (don’t rely on cell service!)

  • I love to use Libby to check out audiobooks from my library!

• Pillow or small blanket for naps in the passenger seat

• Phone charger + car adapter

• Reusable tote bag for random extras you pick up along the way

How to Save

One of the best things about road trips is how flexible they can be — but that also means the costs can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. I’ve definitely learned a few tricks along the way to keep my wallet happy while still making the most of the adventure.

Gas

• Plan your fill-ups: Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest gas along your route.

• Cruise control is your friend: Driving steady not only saves gas but makes the ride more relaxed.

• Fill up outside big cities: Prices are usually lower in smaller towns.

Food

• Pack snacks and meals: A cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks saves you from constant fast food stops.

• Grocery stores > restaurants: Grabbing picnic supplies from a grocery store is cheaper (and often healthier) than dining out every meal.

• Treat meals, not every meal: Save eating out for that one special local spot rather than blowing your budget on daily takeout.

  • I try to limit myself to one meal a day at a restaurant and pack/purchase the rest from the grocery store or discount food stores such as Aldi

Lodging

• Mix it up: Combine budget hotels, campsites, or even car camping if you’re up for it.

• One of my favorite budget-friendly hacks is car camping! If you’ve got a smaller SUV, throwing an inflatable mattress in the back turns it into the perfect cozy setup — a fun way to adventure while saving on lodging.

  • You can find the perfect inflatble matress that best suits your car on Amazon or at REI

• Consider hostels or Airbnb: They’re not just for international travel — sometimes they’re the cheapest option even in the U.S.

• Book ahead (when possible): You’ll often get better rates than last-minute walk-ins.

Activities

• Look for free gems: National and state parks, local festivals, scenic drives, or city walking tours can cost little to nothing.

• Use city passes: Some destinations offer bundled passes that save on multiple attractions.

• Do your research: A quick Google search before you go can uncover hidden free museums, outdoor concerts, or community events.

Final Thoughts

Road trips are one of the best ways to see the world — whether you’re cruising across your state or across the country. They give you the freedom to stop when you want, explore hidden gems, and make memories along the way. The key is finding the right balance between planning and flexibility, so you can keep costs low while still having room for spontaneity.

At the end of the day, the biggest way to save is by deciding what matters most to you. Splurge on the experiences you’ll remember forever, and save on the things that won’t stick in your memory. That balance makes budget travel feel both fun and freeing.

So pack smart, plan your route, keep an open mind, and hit the road — the adventure is waiting, and it doesn’t have to break the bank!