Road Trip Budget Planner: Cost Breakdown Help Guide

Roadtrip Planner – Guide To Travel Smart, Spend Wisely

No matter how you travel—sleeping under the stars, boondocking in the backcountry, or checking into cozy roadside inns—every road trip runs smoother with a clear budget.

This Roadtrip Planner Help Guide is an example to help you map out expenses, avoid financial surprises, and making the most of every mile.

Roadtrip Planner – Daily Budget Categories

Fuel

How to estimate: Miles driven per day ÷ MPG × current gas price Example: 250 miles/day ÷ 25 MPG × $4.00/gal = $40/day

Tips:
Use gas price apps like GasBuddy to check prices for cities along your route.
Expect higher prices in remote areas.

Food

• Low-budget option – Shop at grocery stores + occasional restaurants: $20–30/day per perso
• Mid-range option – 1 restaurant meal + snacks + groceries: $35–50/day
• Splurge days – 2 restaurant meals or local specialty dining: $60+/day

Saving Tip:
Pack a cooler. Cook simple meals at camp

Lodging / Camping

• Free camping (BLM, rest stops, truck stops): $0
• Campgrounds (state/national parks): $10–35 (or more in some areas)
• Budget motels: $50–100
• Mid-range hotels or Airbnb: $100–150+

Tip:
Mix free spots with paid ones. Reserve popular campsites early.

Activities and Entrance Fees

• National/State Park Entry Fees: $0–35/day
• Guided tours or rentals (kayak, ATV, etc.): $20–100+
• Museums/local attractions: $5–25

Tips:
Consider a National Park Pass ($80/year if visiting 3+ parks).
Look for free local events or self-guided trails.

Miscellaneous

Tolls, parking, laundry, firewood, Wi-Fi, etc.: $5–20/day

Bonus Tips

• Track as you go. Use budget apps like Trail Wallet, Splitwise (for groups), or a simple notebook and use it as a roadtrip planner.
• Plan rest days without traveling for lower spend (free camping, picnic meals, nature hikes)
  Set a daily cap and treat it like cash—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Have a Tip I have missed here? TELL ME ABOUT IT!