20 Tips for a Rewarding Road Trip this Summer
Welcome to another episode of Me and the Magic, hosted by Amanda Bauner! As summer kicks off, Amanda is here to help you make the most of the season with her top summer road trip tips. In this episode, you’ll discover why summer is the perfect time for a road adventure, learn how to budget and plan efficiently, and get special advice for handling the challenges—and embracing the magic—of hitting the open road during the warmer months. From strategic route planning to finding hidden gems and making the journey as fun as the destination, Amanda covers everything you need for a memorable and rewarding summer road trip. So buckle up and get ready for practical advice, inspiration, and a dose of wanderlust to fuel your next great escape!
Road Trip Budget Tips
These tips will help you plan a realistic budget for your next road trip.
Plan Your Route Strategically
Before you hit the road, use apps like Roadtrippers, Google Maps, or GasBuddy’s Trip Planner to map your route and identify the most fuel-efficient paths. Avoid heavy city traffic when possible to save both time and gas. Many of these apps allow you to add multiple stops, so you can plan scenic detours without straying too far (or spending too much!).
Create a Budget by Category
Break your trip down into major spending categories: gas and tolls, lodging, food, entertainment, and unexpected expenses. Estimate how much you’ll need for each category. This helps you stay accountable and avoid impulse splurges. Use a free budgeting app like EveryDollar, or track your spending in a Google Sheet.
Travel During Off-peak Times
When your schedule allows it, avoid traveling during busier times to save money. Weekends and holidays often mean higher prices at the gas pump, lodging, and attractions. Travel midweek, and also travel during early June or late August. Another benefit will be less crowded roadways during those off-peak times.
Save on Fuel Costs
Sign up for fuel rewards programs, and use gas price apps, like GasBuddy, to find the cheapest gas station near your location. Over a multi-state road trip, this can save you serious money. Don’t wait until you’re running on fumes — plan your fill-ups near lower-cost stations when possible. I also like the rule of filling up by the time I have a quarter of a tank left, just in case I hit a long stretch of road and can’t find a gas station.
Also, drive smart to save fuel. Fuel-efficient driving habits make a big difference. Accelerate gradually, use cruise control when possible, and keep tires properly inflated because under-inflated tires lower fuel efficiency. Also, clear out extra weight from the car… easier said than done on a road trip with a packed car, but maybe you don’t need to bring everything you typically store in your trunk.
Find Budget-Friendly Lodging
Instead of traditional hotels, consider alternatives like motels, state park cabins, or camping. Sites like Hipcamp and Recreation.gov offer listings for budget-friendly campsites.
Also, look into hotel rewards programs or credit card points that can be redeemed for free stays. I love using my points I’ve saved up for free hotel stays. Also, check some hotels for discounts, whether that’s AAA (or CAA in Canada), military discounts, and senior discounts. Some hotels offer discounts to teachers, first responders, and health care workers. It never hurts to check.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a house-sitting gig or swap homes through platforms like HomeExchange. Or plan a road trip where you can stay with family and friends.
Pack a Cooler and Groceries
One of the great things about a road trip is that you can take a lot with you. Food is one of the biggest expenses on the road. Save money by packing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Think trail mix, granola bars, and reusable water bottles. Even just grabbing groceries from a local store instead of eating out every meal can cut costs significantly — and it often feels healthier too.
Look for Free or Low-Cost Attractions
Some of the best road trip memories come from quirky roadside stops, scenic overlooks, and free hiking trails. Research ahead of time for free walking tours, outdoor concerts, or museum free days. National park passes (like the America the Beautiful Pass) can be a great deal if you plan to visit multiple parks. Summer is a popular time for local festivals, as well as county and state fairs.
If you stop at the welcome center when you cross a state line, you’ll find all kinds of info on the state and cities and areas, including free and low-cost attractions.
Road Trip Planning Tips
Plan an amazing road trip with these tips!
Set a Purpose or a Theme
What kind of road trip experience do you want? When I did a road trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina last May, I wanted to reconnect with the beautiful Lowcountry. Sometimes a road trip may be about discovery and exploration, and other times it may be about relaxation.
Make Room for Spontaneity
Like any great trip, I believe it’s best to balance a structured schedule with spontaneity. Of course you’ll want to plan your main stops, but leave some room and time for spontaneity. When I drove through the Upper Keys in South Florida, there were all kinds of interesting places where I stopped that were not on my original schedule.
Curate a Soundtrack
Who doesn’t love to listen to music on a road trip? Create a playlist that makes you happy. Maybe you want your playlist to match your mood, or maybe you want it to match where you’re driving. If you don’t know, I love creating playlists. I have a Road Trip Classics playlist, and I’ve created playlists for particular destinations like New York City and Dollywood.
Prioritize Scenic Routes
After a few hours, I can’t handle more interstate. That’s usually about the time it takes me to drive out of Florida, so then I prefer to take backroads when I have the time and take in the scenery. Plus, a change in scenery and in the speed you’re driving is healthier for you. Driving on long stretches of the interstate can feel monotonous, leading to the driver feeling drowsy. It’s important to stop every 2 hours to stretch your legs and move your body, and it’s important to be aware of when the driver needs a break. A change in scenery can definitely help with alertness.
Connect with Locals
Stop by the local visitor center and chat with the staff, they are always happy to help… at least, that’s been my experience. Look for a local festival or a farmers’ market. I attended a great farmers’ market in Hilton Head Island and really enjoyed chatting with the vendors there, and I found some great and unique items to buy.
Find the Local Flavors
When I travel, I really do my best to avoid chain restaurants and instead choose local restaurants, coffee shops, and other food and beverage service places. I’m really excited to sample some great local restaurants in Seattle and Alaska next month. And when I was in New York last month, you’d better believe I went to a local restaurant that was inside of a grocery store for some great New York pizza!
Unplug When Possible
I know it can be challenging to unplug from our devices. I rely on my phone to guide me on a road trip. But when possible, maybe at some stops, try unplugging and be in the moment. This is powerful especially when in nature. Breathe that fresh air, and take in the beauty around you.
Summer Road Trip Travel Tips
Lastly, here are some key travel tips for taking a road trip in the summer when there tend to be more travelers on the road and also some interesting weather in some areas.
Be Prepared for Summer Heat
Expect hot temperatures, and not just in the south and southwest U.S. anymore. Make sure before your trip to have your car tuned up, including topping off the coolant. You don’t want to drive without air conditioning in some areas. Also, pack extra water, and don’t leave your snacks (especially chocolate) or your electronics out in the sun.
Time Your Drives to Beat the Heat (and the Traffic)
I am an early bird. When I am on a road trip, I like to start early in the morning, arriving at my destination that day by early afternoon if not earlier. Others like to start later and drive at night. If you can, avoid driving in cities during their morning and evening rush hours. Early to late afternoon tends to be warmest and also can be the busiest time of day for some beaches and amusement parks.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
Just in case your car breaks down, it’s good to have an emergency kit that has a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, sunscreen, a phone charger that doesn’t rely on your car battery, and a light blanket.
Expect Construction and Delays
Pack your patience, because summer means a lot of road work in many parts of the U.S. It also means more drivers on the road. Plan extra time for delays. Some apps will give you real-time updates. I prefer Google Maps, and many also like Apple Maps and Waze.
Book Lodging Early in Popular Destinations
National parks, beach towns, and theme park areas can book up fast. Secure accommodations (even campsites) in advance for places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or coastal areas like Cape Cod or the Florida Keys.
Download Maps and Entertainment
Some areas have spotty cell service, even around my area in central Florida. Download maps to have offline, as well as your playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks. I also go old school and have a spiral-bound large U.S. atlas that I bring on my road trips. I had to pull it out once in the Smoky Mountains when I had no cell service.
Episode Resources
- “Summer Travel 2025: Road Trips Dominate as Americans Seek Cheaper, Flexible Getaways”, May 15, 2025. Author: Mia Taylor. TravelPulse.com.
- “Summer Travel Trends to Know for 2025”, May 27, 2025. Author: Kelly Rosenfeld. TravelAgeWest.com.
- Episode 140 of the Me and the Magic podcast highlights 9 of the best summer road trips in the USA and Canada.
