The Problem

I want to take a week-long road trip with my partner but we only have about $800 total to spend. Gas prices are high, hotels are expensive, and eating out adds up fast. Everyone says "just go camping" but we don't have gear. I don't want to skip the trip entirely but I also can't afford to come home broke. How do people actually do road trips without spending a fortune?

The Plan

Week 1-2: Plan Smart Before You Go

Use GasBuddy to map the cheapest gas stations along your route — prices vary by $0.50+ per gallon

Book accommodation on Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts, or iOverlander — many are $10-30/night vs $150 for hotels

Consider Walmart parking lots for free overnight stays (it's legal at most locations — check the app)

Pack a cooler with groceries: sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks for the road save $30-50/day vs eating out

Plan one "splurge meal" per day at a local spot and make the rest from your cooler

Week 3-4: On the Road

Drive during off-peak hours to avoid traffic and save gas — early morning is best

Use the Slow Travel approach: fewer destinations, more time at each — less driving means less gas

Free activities are everywhere: hiking, beaches, scenic overlooks, free museum days, downtown walking tours

Fill up gas when you hit half a tank — don't wait until empty and get stuck paying premium prices

Track every expense in a shared note so you don't accidentally overspend

Resources

GasBuddy app — find cheapest gas prices along your route

iOverlander app — free and cheap camping/parking spots

Roadtrippers app — plan routes with interesting stops along the way

Atlas Obscura — find free weird and wonderful roadside attractions

Follow-Up Result

Pending