With the summer travel season kicking off, consumers are packing their bags and looking forward to another vacation. According to a recent Bread Financial study, 80 percent of this year’s summer travelers took a summer vacation last year and 76 percent will stay within the U.S.
Summer travelers are taking a more frugal approach, and many are opting for a road trip vs. a taking a vacation that requires a flight. Many of us assume that a road trip will be a budget-friendly vacation idea, but the expense of gas and food & beverages on the road can cost more than we anticipate.
Here are a slew of ways to save money on during your adventures on the open road.
Drive Safely
Road trips are a great way to get out of dodge on a budget, and we are seeing record numbers for road trips this summer.
But stay safe! The 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report 2025 shows how safer driving can lead to real savings and highlights the safest – and riskiest – places to hit the road. For example, the Pacific Northwest and TX rank among the safest while Boston, Baltimore, and Washington DC are on the riskier side.
And before you head out, check if your auto insurance rewards safe driving. Through Allstate’s Drivewise in the Allstate mobile app, good habits like safe speeds, gentle braking, and staying off your phone can earn you discounts – and drivers who use Drivewise are 25 percent less likely to be involved in a severe collision than those who don’t.
Stock Up on Snacks
Rather than stopping at gas stations and roadside convenience stores for snacks, go to a grocery store where the prices will be lower. Better yet, if you have a wholesale club membership, stock up on snacks in bulk! Buying wholesale can save you 40 percent. avoids buying potentially overpriced snacks at
Keep snacks cool and fresh in a soft-sided cooler bag. Why soft instead of hard? It’s light enough to carry with you on an impromptu picnic and collapsible when not in use so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space in the car.
Another handy must-have is a waterproof blanket. They are great for impromptu picnics and are useful in the car for cozy napping.
Save with Apps
Before you depart, download some essential apps to help you on your journey. For example, the Travelzoo app geo-targets your location to showcase exclusive deals at nearby restaurants.
You can also save time and money with the Waze app. Not only does Waze provide crowdsourced navigation, but you can also use it to search for gas stations and choose based on the pricing that the app provides.
Another helpful app is the one from CVS Pharmacy, where you can access deals on health-related items and snacks. If the local store has curbside pickup, you can swing by to pick up your items on the way to your next destination.
Look for Perks
When you’re booking hotels, look for amenities, like free breakfast and snacks. Breakfast is sometimes additional, so look for that and compare prices. Even if there is a fee, it can be less expensive than eating breakfast at a restaurant. At some hotels, like Fairmont hotels, Four Seasons, and Starwood/Marriot, kids eat free, so look for that too. And at hotels with breakfast buffets, you can often fill up your travel mug with coffee for the road.
I am a fan of Kimpton hotels and they offer a complimentary wine hour every day. Embassy Suites hotels offer a managers’ cocktail receptions, which are an effective way to save on your night out.
Get Gift Cards
You can use discounted gift cards to save on your trip!
Check a site, like GiftCardGranny, which offers gift cards from restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and KFC, available for purchase at discounts of up to 10 percent, allowing you to enjoy meals on the road while saving money.
Scope out the best gas prices
Each gas station is going to have different gas prices. I’ve seen prices vary by $.20 or more per gallon at stations right across the street from each other. To find the stations with the best prices nearby, use apps like Google Maps, AAA, or Waze. I like these because you can use the map/directions function at the same time.
If you don’t require directions, try GasBuddy or GasGuru. *We work with GiftCardGranny & Allstate.
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