How to Plan a Perfect Summer Road Trip on a Student Budget
Embarking on a road trip has long been a favourite summer activity for young travellers, even if it can be a challenge on a student budget.
Summer road trip on a budget
Especially among college students in the United States, a summer road trip is something of a rite of passage, though it’s a popular activity in Europe as well. Road trips are one of the most exciting ways to explore the country, and with a bit of clever planning, it’s possible to have an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into how to plan the perfect summer road trip across the country – all while staying within a student budget, with these 8 practical tips to help you along the way.
1. Resolve academic issues before hitting the road
Before embarking on your summer road trip, it’s crucial to ensure that your academic responsibilities are taken care of. As exciting as it sounds to leave the classroom behind for a few summer weeks full of adventure, unresolved assignments, exams, or projects can quickly turn a dream road trip into a stressful experience. Nothing dampens the thrill of travel like the worry of unfinished coursework or looming deadlines when you return.
One of the first things you should do is check your academic calendar to ensure you’re not missing any important dates or deadlines. Talk to your professors about any assignments or exams that might conflict with your trip. If you have any major essays or projects due soon after your trip, consider getting ahead of them. If you’re struggling with an assignment, there are plenty of online resources that can help. You can find expert help at PapersOwl – https://papersowl.com/write-my-college-essay when you search for somebody to “write my college essay”. This can take some of the pressure off and free you up to focus on planning your trip.
Using essay writing services can save you time and reduce stress by providing professionally written, high-quality essays that meet academic standards. These services also help you meet deadlines and improve your writing skills by offering tailored content and expert guidance.
Another helpful tip is to reach out to a classmate for notes or to form a study group before you leave. Being proactive about academic responsibilities before the trip will ensure you can fully enjoy your time on the road without being distracted by unfinished work. By handling these details early on, you’ll be able to keep your mind clear and focused on the adventure ahead, rather than stressing over schoolwork back home. So, take the time to resolve any academic problems beforehand, and your road trip will feel like a true break from your studies!
2. Set a realistic budget
The first step in planning any road trip is figuring out your budget. As a student, it’s crucial to set a budget that keeps things manageable while still allowing for fun and flexibility. This is especially true for a summer road trip, when accommodation and other travel costs tend to be much higher than during the rest of the year. Still, with smart planning, a road trip can be surprisingly affordable, even on a student budget.
How to beak down your road trip budget
Gas: The cost of gas will likely be your biggest expense. Use a gas calculator (like GasBuddy) to estimate how much you’ll need based on your route and vehicle. If you’re renting a car instead of driving your own, make sure to pick a fuel-efficient model rather than a gas guzzler to keep your costs low.
Accommodation: Hotel stays can quickly add up, but there are plenty of alternatives. Hostels, campsites, and even Couchsurfing are affordable options. If you plan to rough it for the night by sleeping in your car, be sure to research your parking spot to ensure it’s in a safe area and that overnight stays in vehicles are actually permitted.
Food: Dining out can be expensive. Plan to make meals on the road or stop at local grocery stores to stock up on snacks and simple ingredients for sandwiches, fruit, and other easy-to-make meals.
Activities and attractions: Many national parks, museums, and other attractions offer free or low-cost entry. Plan ahead to find free activities or discounted student tickets for paid attractions.
Once you’ve mapped out your general route, calculate the expenses for each category. When making a budget for your summer road trip, it’s a very smart idea to add a 10 to 15% buffer for unforeseen costs — unexpected expenses always pop up when you’re on the road!
3. Choose your route wisely
Choosing the right route is key to maximizing your experience while keeping costs down. Think about the places you’ve always wanted to see and research scenic drives that are well within your budget. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between the long but fast stretches of highway and cool stops along the way.
How to plan a route
Stick to well-connected cities: If you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to stick to cities with good public transportation options or a large number of budget-friendly accommodations. That said, while cities and major tourist spots offer a wider range of accommodation, you’ll often find cheaper places to stay in more remote areas that attract fewer visitors.
Go off the beaten path: You don’t have to follow the most popular routes to see amazing sights. Look for hidden gems like smaller national parks, quirky roadside attractions, and small towns with unique charm. Chances are, accommodation, entry tickets, and food will be much more affordable when your road trip takes you to these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Consider looping: A looped route, where you start and finish in the same place, can save you money on flights and allow you to focus on a specific area without having to retrace large distances. Great examples of student-friendly routes include visiting the national parks west of the Rockies or exploring the Southern states, as both offer easy opportunities for a looped route. You can experience natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and vibrant cities like Austin, TX, all while keeping your drive relatively short to avoid excessive gas costs.
4. Find affordable accommodation
Finding a place to rest after a long day of driving is crucial. However, accommodation can easily eat into your budget if you’re not careful. There are plenty of ways to save on this aspect of your trip.
Affordable options
Hostels: These are inexpensive and a great way to meet fellow travelers. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com make it easy to find them along your route.
Campsites: If you enjoy the outdoors, campsites are an incredibly affordable option. National and state parks often have cheap campsites, and you can even camp for free in certain areas with a little research. Apps like Campendium or Freecampsites.net help you find free or low-cost spots.
Couchsurfing: This app connects you with locals who offer free places to stay. It’s not just about saving money, but also about experiencing the places you visit through the eyes of local hosts.
Airbnb: If you’re looking for something more private but still affordable, check out Airbnb options in your destination cities. There are often rooms for rent or shared accommodations that are much cheaper than booking an entire hotel room.
5. Pack your own food and snacks
Food is another area where you can save a ton of money on a road trip. While it’s tempting to stop at fast food restaurants, that can add up quickly. Instead, plan to bring your own meals and snacks.
How to save on food
Prepare sandwiches and wraps: Invest in a small cooler and bring sandwich ingredients, fruits, nuts, and snacks with you. This will not only save money but also time as you’ll avoid stopping at restaurants for every meal.
Cook when possible: If you’re staying at campsites or Airbnb homes with kitchens, take advantage of the opportunity to cook simple meals. You can save a lot by buying ingredients in bulk at grocery stores and preparing your own meals. If you go camping, try to find campsites with barbecue facilities — or consider buying a small barbecue yourself, as it can be a great investment that saves you money on meals.
Stock up on snacks and drinks: Keep snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fruits in the car. These will help curb hunger between meals and save you from having to buy pricey gas station snacks. Likewise, be sure to bring a cooler box and keep it filled with ice, so you can stock up on inexpensive drinks from grocery stores instead of paying marked-up prices at gas stations.
Be strategic about dining out: Dining out is obviously a big treat and an essential part of any summer trip, but when you do eat at restaurants, steer clear of tourist traps. Local diners, food trucks, and small family-run places are usually cheaper and often serve the most authentic, memorable meals. If you only plan to dine out a few times during your summer road trip, it’s best to do so in less touristic places —after all, a meal in rural Louisiana will likely cost you far less than one in downtown LA!
6. Save money on gas and transportation
Gas will likely be your second-largest expense after accommodation, so it’s important to find ways to cut down on this cost.
Gas-saving tips
Drive a fuel-efficient car: If you don’t have your own car, consider renting a small, fuel-efficient vehicle. While it might be tempting to rent an SUV or van, smaller cars are cheaper to rent and much more fuel-efficient.
Use gas apps: Apps like GasBuddy or Waze can help you find the cheapest gas along your route.
Keep the car well-maintained: A car in good condition runs more efficiently. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your oil is changed before you leave to maximize fuel efficiency.
Carpool with friends: If you’re going with friends, carpooling is a great. After all, the more people you can split your road trip costs with, the more affordable your entire summer adventure will be!
7. Plan free and low-cost activities
A road trip is about more than just driving — it’s about exploring new places and having fun along the way. Fortunately, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy while on the road.
Affordable activities to consider
National Parks: Many national parks offer free entry on certain days, or they may charge a small fee for entry. Take advantage of these deals, as national parks are often one of the best ways to experience nature without spending much money.
Free events: Check local event calendars for free festivals, concerts, or public events happening during your trip. Many cities offer free or low-cost outdoor movie nights, street fairs, or art walks.
Roadside attractions: A road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping at quirky roadside attractions. These are often free or only require a small donation and make for some fun photo ops.
However, perhaps the most important thing to remember about a summer road trip is what it’s truly about. It’s the fun you have with your friends on the road, the laughs, the late-night chats, and the shared sense of adventure. That’s what makes a road trip unforgettable – not necessarily the sights you see, but the memories you make together along the way.
8. Use road trip apps and tools
Thanks to technology, you have all the tools you need to make your road trip smoother, cheaper, and more fun.
Useful road trip apps
Roadtrippers: This app helps you plan your route, find attractions, and save money by pointing out free or low-cost spots along the way.
GasBuddy: Find the cheapest gas along your route and avoid paying more than you need to.
HappyCow: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this app helps you find plant-based restaurants, even in small towns.
Park4Night: Ideal for finding free parking and camping spots for your car or van.
Don’t forget that there are many more useful travel apps that can make your trip a lot easier, more enjoyable, and more organised.
Conclusion
With a little research, flexibility, and smart planning, it’s more than possible to have an unforgettable summer road trip across the country on a student budget. Keep your expenses in check by finding budget-friendly accommodations, making your own food, and using helpful apps to find cheap gas and fun activities.
Above all, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination when you make a summer road trip, especially when you do it on a student budget. You’ll come away with amazing memories, new experiences, and a sense of accomplishment — without having to spend a fortune. So hit the road, embrace the adventure, and make this summer one to remember!
