11 Ways to Save Money While Traveling on the Road
Updated July 2024
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11 Ways to save money while traveling
Traveling with a larger family often means there will be less extravagant trips and the focus will be on smaller vacations that still allow us to create some amazing memories as a family. To save money we often have to prioritize budget friendly accommodations and find free or low-cost activities that still provide us with adventure and new experiences.
Through my travels I have learned several ways to save money by being creative with our spending and finding low-cost activities while still enjoying visiting National Parks, and other family friendly travel destinations.
1. Boondocking
An easy way to save money is by not camping at expensive campgrounds. You can download apps like Campendium, iOverlander, FreeRoam or The Dyrt for boondocking locations.
Through those apps you will search an area that you want to camp at, and it will bring up multiple camping spots within that area. Each of these apps is super easy to use and each app is unique in what details they provide. Once you find a spot through the app, you can look at the pictures, if there are any, and read reviews to help determine if it’s the right place for you.
You can also find water locations, dump stations and temperature on some of the apps. We completed a camping trip over 29 days, and I only spent money on one place we camped and that was at a Llama farm. All of the other days we either stayed with family/friends or camped for FREE using these apps.
Check out this blog post for A List of Free Boondocking Locations across the United States
2. Borrow camping equipment
Before buying expensive camping gear, borrow from family or friends or purchase items at thrift stores to see if camping is something you will enjoy. It doesn’t make sense to go buy expensive equipment and then decide you don’t like to camp, or you don’t like the item or need the item you purchased. Over time you can purchase new items or upgrade an item if you find it useful when you are camping.
Check out this list of 15 Essential Items for Boondocking in a CamperVan or
Road Trip Ready: Must Have Essential Items for Your Campervan
3. Use apps that give you money back on gas purchases
There are several apps you can use that give you cash back on gas purchases. I currently use the Upside app. Every time I purchase gas, I upload the details into the app, and it gives me cash back or I can redeem it for gift cards when I reach a certain dollar amount. Use my invite code XJZTTH to get started.
4. Make your own food instead of eating out
It is so temping to eat out when traveling but in order to keep your trip on a budget it is important to eat in more often. I like to shop at Aldi’s or Trader Joe’s for cheaper food options but still get good quality foods. Use Pinterest to search for camping meal ideas and also check out my blog post Quick and Super Simple Camping Meal Ideas for camping food meal options that are easy to prepare while camping.
5. Free activities
There are a lot of free activities available throughout the United States. I love finding free things to do in areas we visit to help stay within our budget. Do an online search of free things to do in certain locations. Also check Pinterest for travel ideas. Here is a list of free things to do across the United States and the link to my blog post with more information.
Devil’s bridge - Arizona (see picture below)
Fountains at Bellagio - Las Vegas
Blowing Rocks Preserve - Florida
Visit a beach
Hollywood sign - Los Angeles, California
Garden of the Gods - Colorado
Golden Gate Bridge - California
Seven Magic Mountains - Las Vegas
Magnolia Market - Texas
Forrest Gump Point - Utah
Big Sur - California
Cool Crystal-Clear Waters at Devil’s Bathtub - Virginia
The Bean, Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier - Chicago
Self-Guided Walking Ghost Tour - Georgia
Starr’s Cave Nature Center - Iowa
Umbrella Alley - California
Hike Toadstool Trailhead - Utah
6. Stay local
You don’t have to travel far from home to enjoy nature. Travel within your own state and look for local State Parks to visit, hike or camp at. Many parks offer activities throughout the year for young and old to enjoy. Some parks are free where others charge a minimal fee usually under $10. Another option is to visit a Farmers Market and have a picnic with the food purchased at the market.
Here is a list of 15 State Parks throughout the US that can help create some lasting memories.
7. Prepare for rainy days
When you are camping it is likely you will encounter bad weather that can limit your fun during that moment. So, what can you do? Bring along games, books or movies to enjoy. If you don’t plan ahead and have some of these items with you, you may decide when the weather is bad to go to a paid indoor attraction. Although that might be fun, it can become costly, especially if you book something last minute so it is better to plan ahead for less favorable weather.
Some of our favorite travel games
8. Make a list
Make a list before you travel with all of the necessary items you will need while traveling. If you make a list and check it off as you load it into your car or camper, you will be prepared and not have to purchase anything extra during your trip therefore saving you money.
There are a lot of things you can live without while camping and you will discover that the more you camp but being prepared limits any last-minute stops to purchase something you forgot. If you’re like me, I go in the store for one thing and come out with way more than I need therefore spending more money than planned. If you sign up for my newsletter below, I will give you a FREE extensive camping packing list for free. This list should have all most everything you will need while camping.
FREE Camping Packing List
Sign up in the box above to receive this FREE camping packing list. You will also be signed up for my monthly newsletter with lots of travel information.
9. Plan ahead
It is important to have a plan when you are taking an extended trip. If you full time RV this might not be a big deal for you, you can go where you want when you want, but if you have limited time, it is good to have a plan of what you want to see and do. Last minute or unorganized plans could lead to impulse purchases or activities that can get pricey.
Planning ahead will also make sure you have the right amount of money and the time needed to do all of the things on your list.
Check out The Ultimate USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary where the trip is already planned for you.
10. Take less
Do you really need 10 extra pairs of shorts “just in case” or purchase a bunch of new clothes for your trip? No! You can wear what you already have. If you feel you need certain items like hiking clothes or a jacket in case, you experience cooler weather, you can purchase those items at thrift stores to save money.
It is ok to wear clothes a few days in a row without washing them therefore you will need to take less clothing items. Less is more especially if you have limited space such as we do in our campervan!
11. Use the vehicle you already have
Final thought….No need to purchase a van to convert into a camper, just pack your car, load a tent and a cooler and find a park or campground to camp at. Super easy and cheap and you will learn as you go what you need. I have seen many campers just put a blow-up mattress in the back of their vehicle and have the best time in some of the most amazing locations! You got this!!
I hope this list was helpful for you as you find ways to save money while camping. Camping doesn’t have to be super expensive to make some amazing memories. You can try it out and then if you really like it, you can upgrade a little at a time.
Just get out and enjoy the time you have left on this beautiful earth and enjoy spending time with your kids or best friends as they grow up way too fast!!
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Geode State Park
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