Are you planning to hit the road and explore the vast expanse of America? If so, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to embark on a road trip around the country.
The answer, of course, depends on various factors such as the length of your journey, your mode of transportation, where you decide to stay, and how much you plan to splurge on activities and food. In this article, we’ll break down some rough estimates for a budget-friendly road trip around America.
Transportation Costs
The first and most significant expense when planning a road trip is transportation. If you don’t own a car or RV, renting one can be an expensive option.
Depending on the season and location from where you rent your vehicle, prices can range from $50 to $200 per day. However, if you plan to travel for an extended period, it makes sense to buy a used car or RV instead. You can purchase a reliable vehicle for as low as $3,000-$5,000.
Pro Tip: Make sure to get your vehicle checked thoroughly by a mechanic before embarking on your journey.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs are another significant expense when planning a road trip around America. The amount spent on fuel varies depending on the type of vehicle and its fuel efficiency.
On average, gasoline prices hover around $3 per gallon in most states. For example, if your car gets 25 miles per gallon and you’re traveling 5000 miles across America, fuel costs could range from $600-$800.
Pro Tip: Download apps like GasBuddy that help find the cheapest gas prices in your vicinity.
Lodging Costs
Lodging costs can vary depending on where you choose to stay during your journey around America. If camping is something that interests you, campsites charge $10-$40 per night, and national parks often have free camping sites.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay in motels or hotels that can cost anywhere between $50-$200 per night. Airbnb and other vacation rentals are also great options that can be cheaper than traditional lodging costs.
Pro Tip: Consider staying in a combination of all the above options to save money.
Food Costs
Food is another significant expense when planning a road trip around America. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, especially if you plan to dine at fancy places.
However, fast-food chains such as McDonald’s or Taco Bell offer affordable meals that could cost around $5-$10 per meal. Cooking your meals is another option. The average cost of groceries for two people for a week is around $100.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Yelp to find affordable yet delicious local restaurants.
Activities Costs
Finally, activities are something that you should budget for while planning a road trip around America. Activities like visiting amusement parks or attending concerts can be costly. However, there are plenty of free activities such as hiking, visiting museums, and exploring national parks.
Pro Tip: Research and plan your activities beforehand to avoid overspending.
In Conclusion
There are various factors to consider when budgeting for a road trip around America. However, with proper planning and research beforehand, you can embark on an epic adventure without breaking the bank. Remember to keep track of your expenses during the journey so that you don’t overspend on any one category!