Are you planning a month-long road trip? It’s important to budget and plan ahead to ensure that you have enough funds for all your expenses. In this article, we will break down the costs of a month-long road trip.
Transportation
The cost of transportation will vary depending on how far you plan to travel and the type of vehicle you use. If you own a car, then your expenses will include gas, oil changes, and maintenance. If you rent a car or RV, then your expenses will include rental fees, insurance, and gas.
- Gas: The average cost of gas in the United States is around $3 per gallon. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon and you plan to drive 3,000 miles in a month, then your gas expenses would be around $360.
- Rental Fees: The cost of renting a car or RV will depend on the rental company and the type of vehicle.
On average, a midsize car can cost around $800-$1,200 for a month-long rental.
- Insurance: If you rent a car or RV, then insurance is usually included in the rental fee. However, if you use your own car, then make sure to check with your insurance provider to ensure that you are covered for long-distance travel.
Lodging
Your lodging expenses will depend on where you stay each night. Some options include hotels/motels, campgrounds/RV parks, or staying with friends/family.
- Hotels/Motels: The average cost of a hotel room in the United States is around $120 per night. For a month-long trip, this would amount to around $3,600.
- Campgrounds/RV Parks: The cost of campgrounds and RV parks will vary depending on location and amenities. On average, a campground can cost around $20-$40 per night, which would amount to around $600-$1,200 for a month-long trip.
- Staying with Friends/Family: If you plan to stay with friends or family, then lodging expenses may be minimal or even non-existent.
Food
Your food expenses will depend on where you eat and how often you dine out. It’s important to budget for groceries and snacks as well as dining out at restaurants.
- Groceries/Snacks: Plan to spend around $200-$300 per week on groceries and snacks for two people. This would amount to around $800-$1,200 for a month-long trip.
- Dining Out: Depending on how often you dine out and the type of restaurant, plan to spend around $30-$60 per meal for two people. This would amount to around $900-$1,800 for a month-long trip.
Activities/Entertainment
Your activities and entertainment expenses will depend on what you plan to do during your road trip. Some examples include visiting national parks/historical sites, attending concerts/shows/festivals, or participating in outdoor activities.
- National Parks/Historical Sites: Many national parks charge an entrance fee of around $35 per vehicle. If you plan to visit multiple parks during your trip, then make sure to budget accordingly.
- Concerts/Shows/Festivals: Ticket prices for concerts, shows, and festivals will vary depending on the event and location.
Plan to spend around $50-$100 per ticket.
- Outdoor Activities: Activities such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing will require equipment rentals or fees. Plan to spend around $50-$100 per activity.
Total Costs
Adding up all these expenses, a month-long road trip for two people can cost anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 or more depending on your transportation and lodging choices.
Tips for Saving Money
- Camp instead of staying in hotels/motels: Camping or staying in RV parks can be a more affordable option than traditional lodging.
- Cook your own meals: Bringing your own groceries and cooking meals instead of dining out can save you a significant amount of money.
- Use discount websites/apps: Websites and apps such as Groupon and Living Social offer discounted rates on activities and entertainment.
- Plan ahead: Researching ahead of time can help you find deals on transportation, lodging, and activities/entertainment.
With proper planning and budgeting, a month-long road trip can be an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank.