If you’re planning a road trip to California, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how much it would cost. The answer can vary depending on various factors such as your starting location, the route you take, the duration of your trip, and your travel preferences. In this article, we’ll break down the major expenses and give you an estimate of how much a road trip to Cali could cost.
Transportation
The primary mode of transportation for a road trip is obviously a car. If you own a car, then the cost of transportation would be limited to gas and tolls. However, if you don’t have a car or prefer not to use your own vehicle for long-distance travel, then renting a car or using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft are popular options.
If you decide to rent a car, the cost can vary depending on the rental company, type of car, duration of rental, and insurance coverage. On average, expect to pay around $30-50 per day for a basic economy car. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs such as taxes and fees.
Gas is another major expense for any road trip. The cost of gas varies based on location and market trends but as per current data from GasBuddy.com (as at August 2021), the national average price for regular gasoline is $3.15 per gallon in the US.
Depending on your starting location and distance covered during your trip (California is huge! ), budgeting around $300-500 for gas expenses should suffice.
Accommodation
Where you stay during your road trip can vary considerably depending on individual preferences and budgets. While some travelers prefer staying at high-end hotels or resorts that offer luxurious amenities and services such as spas or pools; others might opt for more affordable options like motels, hostels or camping sites.
The cost of accommodation in California also varies depending on location and type of accommodation. On average, a hotel room in California can cost around $150-300 per night, while budget-friendly options like motels or hostels can cost anywhere between $50-100 per night. Camping sites are often the most affordable option with an average cost of around $20-50 per night.
Food and Beverages
Food is another significant expense during any road trip. Dining out at restaurants and cafes can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period. A more budget-friendly alternative is to stock up on groceries and snacks from Supermarkets or convenience stores during your trip.
For a rough estimate, budget anywhere from $30-50 per day for food expenses if you plan to eat out at restaurants regularly. If you prefer to cook your meals or pack your own lunches, then expect to spend around $10-20 per day on groceries.
Activities and Attractions
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in California – from theme parks to national parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, and much more. The cost of activities and attractions can vary widely depending on what you choose to do.
Some popular attractions like Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood can set you back over $100 per person for a single day’s admission ticket while other attractions like museums or state parks might be free or have nominal entry fees (around $5-10). You should create a list of all the activities that interest you, research their admission costs online so that you can decide which ones fit into your budget.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of a road trip to California will largely depend on your travel preferences and choices in terms of transportation modes used, accommodation types opted for as well as the activities done during the trip. A rough estimate excluding airfare could be around $1000-2000 for a 10-day trip. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can lower the overall cost of your road trip while still enjoying all the attractions and activities California has to offer.