18 things we learned from going on a road trip (on a budget)

Summer is just around the corner and you are thinking about going on a road trip. Excellent idea!

Fun and adventures await you in so many places.

Before you go, here is our take from being on a road trip for seven months (and counting):

Make a budget
Give some TLC to your car
Choose your company wisely
Do your research ahead of time
Make sure the road is actually open
Check out the weather where you are going
Book in advance or last minute
When camping, book in advance
Always bring a paper map
Always have water and snacks in your car
Do not wait until your gas tank is empty to put some gas in
Get there early and pack your patience
Your diet is going to go downhill
If you are traveling with kids, be flexible
If you stay in hotels, we found these items helpful
If you camp, we found these items helpful
Goodwill and Dollar stores are your best friends
Keep your eyes on the prize

Make a budget – Determine how much you are willing/can spend on your road trip. This is very important as it will determine your entire trip. While on your trip, keep track of your expenses (for your budget) and your mileage (for fun).
Give some TLC to your car – If anything needs to be repaired and that is important (such as breaks, tires, oil leaks, etc.), get it fixed at a shop. Your peace of mind is worth every penny. It will give you (and your family/friends) the peace of mind, particularly if you go to remote places. Getting towed in Death Valley National Park costs about $2,000.
Choose your company wisely – You are going to spend a lot of time with the same people driving and exploring. Make sure you are on the same page regarding your budget, the kind of activities you want (and don’t want) to do, places you absolutely want to see, the lengths of the hike/bike ride you want to do, nightlife, etc.
Do your research ahead of time – Look at the places you want to visit, how much it will cost you and where is the closest place you can get a good night sleep at a decent price. Some parks are remote and the closest budget hotel available may be a 45-minute drive from the entrance of the park. Sometimes, it is worth staying at a hotel closer that is just a bit more expensive than staying in a cheaper hotel that is much further. The money you put in the gas may equals the extra money you would put in a closer hotel.
Make sure the road is actually open – When traveling in remote or elevated areas, some roads are closed for months because of snow. We have also found construction on the roads in or leading to National Parks, and had to plan for delays accordingly. When you are planning your road trip, choose a travelling date when the road is more likely to be open. Most U.S. National Parks provide information on their website on the status of road opening. They also provide the past dates road have seasonally closed and open regarding snow.
Check out the weather where you are going – To make sure you pack the right clothing and gear, look at what the weather is at your destination. If you book months in advance, check out the average temperature during the time frame you want to visit. Pack a few clothes that would keep you warm or stay cool no matter where you go.
Book in advance or last minute – If you are not flexible with your stops or dates, it is best to book in advance – whether it is hotels, rentals or camping spots. It will help sticking with your budget as much as possible. Last minute reservation can work too if you are flexible. Also, camping is not as cheap as it used to be. We paid $40 per night to camp in Bridge Bay in Yellowstone or in Cannon Beach. At times, the price of camping is so close to the price of a hotel room it might be worth just going to a hotel.
When camping, book in advance – There are many campsites in National and State Parks that get booked up to a year in advance. You may get lucky to get a campsite a few days in advance if you travel in shoulder season. If the campsites at the park are full, look outside for private campsites, sometimes an affordable option. Look up reviews on campsites to make sure you are comfortable with the service offered. Also check out the campsite maps on the web to book the spot most suitable to you on the campground. Don’t hesitate to call the campgrounds if you have any questions.
Always bring a paper map – Whether on the road or on a trail, do not rely on technology only. Free road maps of the state road you are visiting are available at any Information Centers. If hiking in a National or State Park, always ask for a free hiking trail. Also, take a photo of the map at the trailhead, which may have more detail than the map you have.
Always have water and snacks in your car – Keep a few days’ worth of water in your car. During the hot days, keep some of it and your snacks in a cooler.
Do not wait until your gas tank is empty to put some gas in – You are going to log in the miles and spend a lot of money on gas. If you find a cheap gas station and your tank is half full, fill it up! If you visit National Parks, ALWAYS fill up your gas tank BEFORE entering a National Park. National Parks rarely have gas pumps. We have seen some in Yellowstone, Death Valley, Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite. The price is often not advertised, meaning it is very expensive.
Get there early and pack your patience – Famous parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite or Zion are crowded between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Considered getting in these parks early (before 8am) so you can enjoy as much as possible. The road gets packed in Yellowstone and there are trails (like Grand Prismatic) where you will not be able to park unless you get there very early. Same for Yosemite, where you may not even get a parking spot at the Visitor Center. If you get in Zion by 7am, you will find a parking spot easily at the visitor center and your waiting time for a shuttle will be shorter. Even better, consider going on the shoulder season if you can!
Your diet is going to go downhill – When on the road, it is harder to keep up with a good diet and easier to snack more often than usual. Meal planning before taking the road will help you staying on track with your diet. If you have a cooler, we would recommend preparing for the next 4 meals before you leave on your road trip using Ziploc bags (or any other brand). If you can, bring in canned nonperishable food like soups that are fast to heat. If you stay in hotels that do not provide breakfast, buy your breakfast before you leave (jam, peanut butter, fruits, bread, etc.) Buy in local stores and supermarkets bulky refrigerated and fresh products.
If you are traveling with kids, be flexible – Your family routine will be broken. Although there are rules at home, these will have to be occasionally bent to fit the out-of-ordinary everyday life. Flexibility is key. Keep in mind this trip should be fun for everyone, including you. For more tips on preparing a road trip with kids, check our article here.
Goodwill and Dollar stores are your best friends – If you have forgotten something, consider visiting the local Goodwill or Dollar stores. We got cookware and toys there months ago that we are still using daily.
If you stay in hotels, we found these items helpful – one set of hard cutlery, one plate per person, a can opener, a bottle opener (soda/beer or wine), a few plastic containers for left overs, one microwaveable cup per person, salt, pepper, a microwavable measuring cup, a sponge and dish liquid.
If you camp, we found these items helpful – (not including the obvious sleeping bag, tent, towel, soap/shampoo): one set of plastic or hard cutlery per person, paper plates, a can opener, a bottle opener (soda/beer or wine), a few plastic containers for left overs, salt, pepper, paper towel, toilet paper, small trash bags, a lighter, a headlamp, other accessories depending on the food you will be cooking, a hatchet and wood if you are planning to make a camp fire, a sponge and dish liquid, wipes.
Keep your eyes on the prize – More importantly, have fun and bring back a lot of memories, photos and videos!