Taking a road trip around America is a dream for many. It’s an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the United States.
However, one of the most common questions when planning a road trip is – how much would it cost? The answer varies depending on several factors, such as the duration of your trip, the distance you will cover, your mode of transportation, and your accommodation choices. In this article, we will break down these factors to give you an estimate of how much it would cost to take a road trip around America.
Duration of Your Trip
The first factor that affects the cost of your road trip is the duration of your journey. Obviously, the longer you stay on the road, the more money you will spend.
A good rule of thumb is to budget at least $100 per day for expenses such as food, gas, and attractions. So if you plan to travel for two weeks (14 days), your minimum budget for expenses would be $1,400.
Distance You Will Cover
Another factor that affects the cost is how far you plan to travel. The longer the distance, the more gas you will use and hence more money spent on fuel.
To get an estimate of how much gas you will need for your trip, use online tools like GasBuddy or AAA Fuel Cost Calculator. As an example, if you drive from New York City to Los Angeles (a distance of approximately 2,800 miles), you can expect to spend around $300 on gas (assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and a price per gallon at $3).
Mode of Transportation
The next factor that affects costs is your mode of transportation. If you own a car or RV already, it’s cheaper since all you need to do is account for expenses like fuel and maintenance costs.
However, if you don’t own a car or RV, you may need to rent one. Rentals can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and the rental company. Keep in mind that some companies charge extra fees for one-way rentals or for dropping off your vehicle at a different location than where you picked it up.
Accommodation Choices
The last factor that affects costs is your choice of accommodation. If you plan to camp or sleep in your vehicle (if it’s an RV), it’s cheaper than staying in hotels or motels.
Campsites typically cost around $20 to $40 per night, while hotel rooms can range from $80 to $200 per night. Another option is Airbnb rentals, which can be more affordable than hotels and offer more amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.
Additional Costs
Apart from the factors mentioned above, there are other expenses that you should consider when planning your road trip around America. These may include:
- Travel insurance – if you’re traveling outside of your home state or country
- Tolls and parking fees
- Attractions fees – such as national parks admission fees or museum entrance fees
- Food and drinks – if you plan to eat out at restaurants rather than cooking meals yourself
- Souvenirs and gifts – if you want to bring back some memories of your trip!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of taking a road trip around America depends on several factors such as duration, distance, mode of transportation, and accommodation choices. Budgeting at least $100 per day for expenses is a good starting point.
By considering these factors before embarking on your journey, you can estimate how much you will need to spend and plan accordingly. With proper planning, taking a road trip around America can be an affordable and memorable experience.