Are you thinking about taking a road trip from Florida to California? It’s a long journey, but definitely doable!
However, before you hit the road, it’s important to consider the costs associated with such a trip. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses and give you some tips on how to save money along the way.
Gasoline Costs
The biggest expense for any road trip is going to be gas. The distance from Florida to California is roughly 2,700 miles if you take the most direct route.
Assuming your car gets around 25 miles per gallon and gas averages around $3 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $324 on gas for one-way travel. This means round-trip gas expenses would be around $648.
Accommodation Costs
On a road trip of this magnitude, you’ll need somewhere to sleep each night. The cost of accommodations will depend on what type of lodging you choose. Here are some options and their approximate costs:
- Camping: If you’re willing to rough it and sleep in a tent, camping is an affordable option. Campsites typically range from $20-$40 per night.
- Motels/Hotels: If camping isn’t your thing, motels and hotels are another option.
Prices vary depending on location and amenities, but expect to pay anywhere from $50-$150 per night.
- Airbnb: Airbnb can be a cheaper alternative to hotels if you’re traveling with a group or want more space. Prices vary depending on location and size of the rental property.
Food Costs
Eating out for every meal can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget your food expenses. Here are some tips for saving money on food:
- Bring snacks: Packing snacks like granola bars, fruit, and trail mix can help you save money on highway snacks.
- Cook your own meals: If you’re camping or staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen, consider cooking some of your meals instead of eating out every time.
- Look for deals: Many restaurants offer happy hour specials or discounts during certain times of the day. Check online for coupons or deals at restaurants in the area you’re visiting.
Entertainment Costs
While driving is a big part of a road trip, you’ll likely want to stop and explore along the way. Here are some activities and their approximate costs:
- National Parks: If you’re interested in visiting national parks along the way, expect to pay around $35 per vehicle for entry.
- Museums/Attractions: Prices will vary depending on what museum or attraction you visit, but expect to pay anywhere from $10-$30 per person.
- Sightseeing Tours: If you want to take a tour of a city or landmark, prices will vary depending on the location and type of tour.
Total Cost Breakdown
To summarize the costs mentioned above, here’s an estimate breakdown for a one-way road trip from Florida to California:
- Gasoline: $324
- Lodging: $20-$150 per night (varies depending on choice)
- Food: $10-$50 per day (varies depending on choice)
- Entertainment: $35-$30 per activity (varies depending on choice)
Tips for Saving Money
Here are some tips for saving money on your road trip:
- Plan ahead: Make a plan and book accommodations in advance to save money.
- Use gas apps: Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas along your route.
- Cook your own meals: As mentioned earlier, cooking your own meals can save you money on food expenses.
- Pack light: The more stuff you bring, the more gas your car will use. Pack only what you need to keep costs down.
In Conclusion
A road trip from Florida to California can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to consider the costs before hitting the road. By budgeting for gas, lodging, food, and entertainment expenses and following some of our saving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels!