Introduction
There’s something magical about a weekend road trip. No TSA lines, no overpriced airport food, no waiting around at baggage claim for a suitcase that may or may not have made it onto your flight. Just you, your car, a killer playlist, and the open road.
But while road trips seem cheaper than flying, costs can sneak up on you. Gas prices fluctuate, tolls appear out of nowhere, and suddenly that “quick weekend escape” is costing more than a week in Cancun.
The good news? With the right planning, you can have an amazing, affordable road trip without draining your wallet. Whether you're heading to a beach town, the mountains, or a quirky roadside attraction, this guide will walk you through every step—choosing a destination, budgeting wisely, packing smart, and making the most of the journey.
So grab your keys—it’s time to hit the road.
Step 1: Choose the Right Destination
The biggest mistake people make is driving too far. This is a weekend road trip, not a cross-country trek. If you spend 12 hours on the road each way, you’ll barely have time to enjoy the destination before turning around.
How to pick the perfect spot
- Stay within a 3-5 hour drive. This gives you enough time to enjoy your destination without spending the whole weekend in the car.
- Consider the season. Beaches are great in summer, but in fall? Maybe a cozy mountain cabin is better.
- Look for underrated gems. Instead of a crowded tourist hotspot, find lesser-known towns or state parks where your money stretches further.
Great weekend road trip ideas
- Nature lovers: National and state parks, scenic mountain routes, or hidden waterfalls.
- Beachgoers: A quiet coastal town instead of a crowded touristy boardwalk.
- City explorers: A nearby city with great food, museums, and nightlife.
- Themed road trips: Route 66 nostalgia, brewery and winery tours, haunted towns, or historic highways.
💡 Pro Tip: Not sure where to go? Type "best weekend road trips from [your city]" into Google for inspiration.
Step 2: Plan Your Budget Wisely
A road trip seems cheap, but without a budget, you’ll be wondering where your money went by Sunday night.
Breakdown of road trip costs
- Gas: Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
- Tolls: Check your route for toll roads in Google Maps and bring small bills for unexpected fees.
- Food: Eating out every meal adds up fast—pack snacks and groceries.
- Lodging: Decide if you’ll stay in a hotel, Airbnb, or camp. More on this below.
- Entertainment: Budget for park entrance fees, activities, and the occasional souvenir.
💡 Pro Tip: Split costs with friends! A road trip with two or three people means shared gas, shared lodging, and more fun without spending more.
Step 3: Pack Smart for the Road
Packing for a road trip is an art. You need enough to be prepared but not so much that your trunk looks like you're moving cross-country.
Essential packing list
- Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps in case of no service).
- Car gear: Spare tire, jumper cables, flashlight, emergency kit.
- Food and drinks: Granola bars, fruit, sandwiches, and a cooler for drinks.
- Entertainment: Road trip playlist, podcasts, and car games.
- Comfort: Sunglasses, travel pillow, blanket, and comfy shoes.
- Toiletries: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues (trust me, road trip restrooms are a gamble).
💡 Pro Tip: Pack a small overnight bag separate from your main luggage. If you’re making a quick motel stop, you won’t need to drag everything inside.
Step 4: Find Affordable Food and Lodging
How to eat well without overspending
- Pack road trip snacks. Gas station food is overpriced and rarely satisfying.
- Hit up grocery stores. Grab fresh fruit, bread, and local cheeses for a picnic instead of a restaurant meal.
- Find local diners. Small-town diners and food trucks often have the best food at the best prices.
Budget-friendly lodging options
- Camping: National and state parks are cheap and scenic.
- Motels and inns: Use HotelTonight for last-minute deals.
- Airbnb and vacation rentals: Great for groups—split the cost.
- Car camping: Many Walmarts and designated rest stops allow free overnight parking.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid staying in major tourist areas—accommodations are often cheaper just 10 to 20 minutes outside the main attractions.
Step 5: Make the Most of the Journey
A road trip isn’t just about getting somewhere—it’s about the adventure along the way.
Fun road trip activities
- Create a killer playlist. Download in advance in case of bad service.
- Play classic road trip games. 20 Questions, License Plate Bingo, or Would You Rather.
- Take the scenic route. Highways are fast, but back roads have character.
Find cool stops along the way
- Use Roadtrippers and Atlas Obscura to find quirky roadside attractions.
- Stop at scenic viewpoints and hidden hiking trails.
- Visit small-town shops and diners—you never know what you’ll discover.
💡 Pro Tip: Build in extra time for spontaneous detours. Some of the best moments happen off-script.
Conclusion
A weekend road trip is one of the best ways to break free from routine, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories—all without spending a fortune. Whether you’re hitting the coast, the mountains, or a charming small town, smart planning will help you save money, avoid stress, and maximize fun.
Where’s your next road trip? Drop your favorite weekend getaway spots in the comments!
