Budgeting for a Road Trip: How We Plan for Freedom Without Financial Stress

Road trips are our favourite way to slow down, soak up the scenery, and chase those lesser-known adventures but without a plan, costs can spiral fast.

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend escape or a multi-week vanlife journey, smart budgeting for a road trip means more freedom, fewer surprises, and a lot less stress.

We’ve spent over a decade road tripping around the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, learning the ins and outs of spending intentionally without missing out on what matters most… the experiences.

In this post, we’ll break down how to estimate and manage your road trip costs, from fuel and camping spots to food and hidden extras.

You’ll get practical tips on how we budget our adventures, plan for the unexpected, and stay flexible without overspending.

So if you’re wondering how to plan a road trip on a budget, and want to do it the smart way, you’re in the right place

How to Set a Road Trip Budget

Everyone has slightly different ways of determining their road trip budget, but there are a few key factors that you’ll want to consider if you’re to come up with a somewhat accurate number. 

Determine Your Road Trip Budget

It sounds simple, but when budgeting for a road trip, you want to start at the end and reverse engineer it to some extent.

How much do you have to spend on this trip?

To figure this out, you’ll need to have a good understanding of your current finances. This includes looking at your regular monthly expenses, your income and your savings – and how that’s going to be impacted if you have to take time off for your road trip.

If you’re not sure how much you should budget for a road trip like this, we recommend working backwards from your total available funds and assigning a rough amount to each major category – fuel, accommodation, food, and fun extras.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it gives you a clearer view of what’s realistic and where you might need to trim back.

How long do you have?

Trip duration plays a huge part in your budgeting too. The longer you’re away, the further you’ll be driving… the more you’re likely going to spend.

When planning a road trip, we like to look at how much time we have and plot the furthest we’re willing to go in that time so we at least have a rough idea on the mileage for things like fuel, how many night stops etc.

We often use the mileage to estimate a rough fuel total early on, especially if we’re planning for multi-week vanlife.

It helps avoid those “how are we already halfway through the fuel budget?” moments.

When you’ve answered these two questions, you’ll be able to set yourself a realistic budget limit that you can then distribute across your expenses.

Estimate Fuel Costs

Fuel is going to be your biggest expense when it comes to budgeting for a road trip – especially if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome that can be quite fuel hungry.

This is the one aspect of your road trip that we encourage you to have a really good understanding of so that you’re not left flabbergasted at the fuel pump because you didn’t realise you’d have to spend quite so much to get across the country.

Map Out Your Distances

To properly workout your fuel consumption during your upcoming trip, you’ll first need to know how far you plan on driving. You can work this out by putting your route into Google Maps – don’t worry too much about changes or detours, but do add a 10-15% buffer for detours or last-minute reroutes, it’s always better to be prepared.

Research Your Fuel Efficiency

You’ll then need to have an idea on how efficient (or not) your vehicle is with fuel.

Most manuals will tell you, or, you can run a Google Search for your make and model. If you don’t know if that’s accurate, add a little bit onto the number to give yourself a little bit of wiggle room.

Research Fuel Prices

While these tend to fluctuate from town to town, and even fuel station to fuel station, doing a little bit of research during your planning and budgeting phase will give you a rough idea on what the current prices are like.

You can use apps like Fuel Flash or Gas Buddy to search for fuel stations in your destinations and find an average.

Use Our Fuel Cost Calculator

Nobody likes complicated maths (or, if you’re like me – even easy maths give me a headache) so we’ve created an easy to use fuel cost calculator that you can use to help move your budgeting along.

Simply add your details into each both, hit calculate and it’ll give you an estimate of your fuel costs.

We typically find that fuel costs make up anywhere from 25–40% of our road trip budget depending on the country, especially in places like Australia or NZ where fuel can be quite pricey!

We’ve also included a road trip budget template in our Road Trip Ready Toolkit that helps you track fuel, food, and accommodation all in one place. It’s the same layout we use on every trip

We recommend saving this page to your bookmarks, or Pinterest, so you can get back to it at any point!

Plan Your Accommodation

If you’re lucky enough to be road tripping in a fully self contained vehicle, then there’s a good chance that you plan to mostly camp for free.

Depending on which country you’re road tripping around, that’s going to be pretty easy to do but we still recommend considering the cost of paid accommodation just in case the unexpected happens.

While road tripping around Australia – Dec got swarmed by sand fleas and ended up needing two nights in an Air BnB to get over his allergic reaction. It’s an unexpected cost, but thankfully we’d accounted for that!

So, to have a better idea of your accommodation costs here’s what you need to do

Research Your Options

You probably already know what types of accommodation you prefer when you’re not free camping, so whether that’s budget campsites, Air BnBs, hotels… whatever… do a preliminary search in your destinations to get a rough idea on how much that’s going to cost.

In New Zealand, we found holiday parks ranged from $15–50 NZD per night depending on location, so building in that flexibility early helped us stay on budget even when we couldn’t freedom camp.

Consider Prebooking

We rarely prebook our accommodation because we almost always freedom camp, and our idea of treating ourselves is staying in a quiet campsite or budget hotel – things that rarely need prebooking (because you’ll never see us travelling tourist areas during peak seasons haha)

However, if you’re staying in hotels, Air BnBs or have nights where you know you’re going to want accommodation sorted – it’s better to book this in advance, which will get you a better price more often than not.

Budgeting For Food and Drink

Some of our favourite cheap road trip tips for couples revolve around food – because it’s one of the easiest areas to overspend without realising, and it’s another area that’s going to be hugely different depending on how you’re road tripping.

Travelling by car? Then it’s more likely that you’re going to be limited on what food you can buy and travel with, so you’ll be shopping more frequently or eating out for most meals – things that can add a huge chunk on top of your road trip cost.

Travelling by campervan? Then you have the luxury of having your kitchen with you at all times and can prepare your own meals on the road to keep to a tighter budget.

Either way, there are options for reducing the price of food on your road trip;

Plan Simple Meals

Having a handful of go-to one pot meals can make road trip cooking a lot easier, especially if you have special dietary needs.

We usually batch-cook things like curries, pastas or chili before we leave and keep them in containers. It saves us from late-night expensive stops when we’re too tired to cook and can be quickly reheated in one pan.

Meals that require no cooking, or can be pre-made and stored easily are other good options – think protein balls, salads, etc.

We also keep a rough meal budget in the Road Trip Ready Toolkit too, it’s just enough to stop us panic-ordering takeaway when we’re too tired to cook.

Don’t Forget Snacks

It wouldn’t be an Officer Travels post if we didn’t mention snacks at least once, right? I strongly believe they can make or break a trip – dramatic? Maybe, but snacks are life – just ask Lilly!

Before setting off, stock up on your favourites but don’t just pack chocolate! The best road trip snacks are the ones that don’t need to be kept cool and don’t make a mess.

We’re talking nuts, crisps, fruit, sweets or even homemade snacks like cookies! They’ll help keep the hanger away on those long drives, or those moments that you miss the turning and end up on a long rural, empty, detour…

I’ve never regretted taking snacks, but I have regretted not packing them…

Use Local Markets & Stores

The cheapest place to stock up for a road trip is local markets, closely followed by some supermarkets.

Markets are great because you can be pretty sure that you’re supporting locals this way, but when you’re travelling it’s not always possible to be in the right place at the right time so the local supermarket will be the next best thing.

However, not all supermarkets are created equal, so if you’re travelling out of your home-country for your road trip it’ll pay to do some research on which are the cheapest in that destination.

For example, in Europe and the UK you can’t usually go wrong with a Lidl or Aldi, and in New Zealand the cheap supermarkets were Pak’n’Saves.

We’ve found that corner shops, or convenience stores, like SPA nad 711 are usually quite expensive – as are fuel station shops – so you want to avoid stocking up there.  

Price Up Attractions and Activities

It’s easy to get swept up in the freedom of the open road, but when you’re budgeting for a road trip, you’ll want to be realistic about how much fun paid stuff you actually want to do – and what it’ll cost.

Some attractions are free (hello hiking and exploring national parks – some of our favourites), but others – like guided tours and adrenaline filled sports – can eat into your budget fast.

Here’s how to like to plan it:

• Make a list of must-do activities you’re excited for
• Check their websites for up to date prices
• Look on websites like Groupon, Viator, GetYourGuide for discounts
• Research if booking online in advance saves money (often, it does)

When we decided last-minute to do Fraser Island in a 4WD, it wasn’t in our original plan… or budget. But after comparing tour prices with rentals, we found we could hire a 4WD ourselves for less than a guided trip. That unexpected change ended up being one of our favourite experiences… and a great money win.

And we always leave room for spontaneity. That unexpected dog-friendly kayak hire, or last minute walking tour just be the highlight of your trip!

Don’t Forget The Miscellaneous Costs

These are the sneaky ones that catch a lot of travellers off guard – especially first time road trippers!

They might seem small, but they add up quickly:

Tolls

Some countries (like France!) love a good toll road and they can be hard to avoid. We use websites like TollGuru to map out our route and estimate the costs of tolls.

Whether you’re happy to use the tolls, or planning your route around them, you’ll need to be aware of them so you can adjust your budget accordingly. 

Parking Fees

If you’re visiting cities or big tourist areas, you might find yourself having to park in paid parking spots.

They’re not that common in Europe (outside of the cities) and when you do find one, they’re usually pretty cheap so they’re not going to break the bank – but they do soon add up if you use them often enough.

We like to use Park4Night, not just for finding free camping, but free parking too and it can be a great way to make sure the parking is big enough for a campervan or motorhome!

Souvenirs & Local Goodies

I’m sure everyone has something they collect from their travels. For us – it’s pins. So this is something we always set aside some change for whenever we’re visiting something new.

Laundry 

If you’re heading on a multi-week trip, save space on packing by budgeting for a couple of laundry stops.

In Australia, I came to actually love laundrettes. At first it felt like a chore, but it became one of those small rituals where I’d people-watch and feel a bit more connected to everyday life in a place. Bonus points for ones with good coffee nearby.

Vehicle Maintenance & Insurance

We’ve experienced everything from nights spent outside the garage, to vehicle recovery and fixing a flat tire on the side of the road… 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about road tripping, it’s that if something can go wrong with your vehicle – it probably will.

So even though we always recommend a good vehicle check before you set off, you still want to have something in your budget to cover you should anything go wrong… and make sure you have insurance that covers you for your destination!

Plan For The Unexpected

No matter how well you budget, unexpected costs can (and will) pop up on a road trip – and they always seem to show up at the most inconvenient time.

Whether it’s a blown out tyre on a main highway, or your dog suddenly needing a vet visit… it pays to be prepared.

We’re not saying you need to expect a disaster (although it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup plan for one of those too…) just give yourself some wiggle room so a small hiccup doesn’t throw your whole trip off track,

Build a Contingency Fund

Building in flexibility is hands-down the cheapest way to plan a trip that still feels spontaneous. It prevents you from panic-spending when plans change.

We always recommend setting aside a portion of your budget as a contingency fund – around 10/20% of your total trip budget is a good starting point.

You might not need it, but if you do, you’ll be relieved it’s there.

Think of it as your ‘what it’ pot for when things like this happen:

• You breakdown and need roadside assistance
• Your van fridge gives up halfway through the trip and needs replacing
• Your dog needs a vet visit after discovering a mysterious ‘snack’ in the bushes
• You end up needing a hotel for a night because your partner had a reaction to bug bites and couldn’t drive with swollen legs…
• You lose your phone and need a temporary replacement or emergency SIM

… All hypothetical, of course 🤫

On our NZ North Island trip, we underestimated how often we’d need paid campsites to recharge our gear… because the solar panels weren’t powerful enough. That was a budget stretch we didn’t expect, but thankfully we had backup funds.

Be Prepared With Essentials

We also like to prepare for the unexpected in other ways too – not just financially.

• Carry a basic toolkit: Think fuses, duct tape, tyre inflator, jumper cables – even if you’re not mechanically minded, they can be useful if someone offers to help
• Keep a stocked first aid kit: Especially important if you’re travelling remotely or with pets. (and if you do have pets – learn some basic pet first aid too. It’s stressful learning how to wrap a paw in bandages on the fly…)
• Download offline maps: If you’re stuck somewhere with no signal, you’ll still be able to navigate or find the nearest help.
• Know where the essentials are: A quick Google search before you leave each town (or the night before) to check the next vets, pharmacy, mechanics or garage can save you hours of stress if something does go wrong later.

The Road Trip Ready Toolkit has a full vehicle prep list and prefilled packing list to help you keep on top of important things that will save you time and money. 

Insurance Is a Must

It’s boring, we know, but good travel insurance and vehicle insurance can make a world of difference when things go wrong. Check that your policy covers:

• Vehicle breakdowns or recovery
• Personal injury and medical bills
• Dog-related emergencies (if you’re travelling with pets)
• Accommodation cancellations or delays

Quick Tips To Help You Stay On Budget

Travel Outside Peak Times

Avoiding school holidays, long weekends and peak tourist seasons can make a huge difference to both your budget and your sanity.

Prices for campsites, attractions and even fuel can creep up during busy periods, and the crowds can take the fun out of even the most scenic stops.

We always aim to travel midweek or during the shoulder seasons. 

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Road-Ready

An unexpected breakdown is one of the fastest ways to blow your road trip budget.

Before you set off, do a few basic checks (or book it in for a service if you’re unsure):

• Tyre pressure and tread
• Oil and coolant levels
• Lights and indicators
• Windscreen wipers (we’ve made that mistake in Wales… never again)
• Brake pads and warning lights
• Spare tyre and toolkit

If you’re heading off-grid, it’s also worth checking your leisure battery setup, solar system, and water tanks to avoid any mid-trip surprises.

Track Your Spending While You Travel

It’s ok having a budget in mind before you set off but it’s surprising how quickly your spending can add up once you’re on the road.

Often, it’s not until you’re already close (or over) your budget before you realise you need to tighten the strings around the wallet a little bit.

Actively keeping track of your spending helps massively when it comes to planning a road trip on a budget, helping you not only stay on budget but save money too.

You can do this a few ways, but our favourite is through a Google Sheet budget and expenses tracker that automatically calculates what you’re spending vs what you had in your budget.

We’ve included exactly what we use within the Road Trip Ready Toolkit if you want to check it out for yourself! 

What To Do If You’re Going Over Budget

It happens. Even with the best planning, some road trips just cost more than expected.

Maybe fuel prices shot up, maybe you treated yourself a few too many times (guilty), or maybe your van decided it needed a new battery halfway through.

Whatever the reason, going over budget doesn’t mean the trip is ruined. You’ve got options and chances are, there’s an easy fix.

Reassess Your Spending

First step? Take a look at where your money’s actually going. Are you overspending in one area?

• Eating out more than expected?
• Staying in paid campsites every night instead of free camping?
• Picking the more expensive fuel stops or toll roads?
• Once you spot the leak, it’s easier to plug it.

During one of our Portugal trips, we realised we would be hitting too many touristy spots, which meant higher parking, fuel, and food costs. We scaled back, went inland, and the savings kicked in straight away.

Cut Back Where It Won’t Hurt

You don’t have to go into full no-spend mode, but you can dial it back a bit without ruining the fun:

• Cook more meals in your van or pack picnic lunches
• Swap a paid activity for a hike, beach day or local market wander
• Skip that hotel treat night and find a peaceful free camp instead
• Choose shorter, slower, driving days to save on fuel

We’ve definitely had moments where we’ve pivoted our plans mid-trip to stretch the budget and honestly, those slower, simpler days often turned out to be our favourites.

Adjust the Rest of the Trip

If you’ve spent more at the start of the trip than planned, it’s not the end of the world, you just need to adapt.

• Push back or skip the pricier stops later in the trip
• Add in a couple of budget-friendly buffer days
• Recheck your route to avoid high-cost areas or toll roads

The key here is flexibility. You can still make the rest of the adventure amazing, just a bit more wallet-friendly.

Use Emergency Funds (If You Have Them)

If you’ve set aside a buffer (like we suggested earlier!), this is exactly what it’s there for. Use it, don’t feel guilty about it – just make a note of what triggered the overspend so you can adjust next time.

And if you haven’t set aside a buffer? No stress, you’ll know for next time.

Worst case scenario? If you’re gone dramatically over budget and don’t have that emergency fund? Cut your trip short. No trip is worth causing financial stress in other aspects of your life.

Whether you’re a spreadsheet lover or just want to avoid the “oh no, how much did we spend?!” moment, it’s built to help.

👉 Want to try it? Check it out here!

Apps We Use and Recommend

Park4Night or iOverlander – Find free/cheap overnight stops and avoid paying over the odds.

Google Maps – For route planning and checking toll routes vs toll-free alternatives.

Google Sheets – Perfect for making your own editable budget planner if you like customising things.

Final Thoughts on Budgeting for a Road Trip

Sticking to a road trip budget doesn’t mean cutting out the fun, it means spending with intention, so you’ve got the freedom to enjoy the unexpected (and maybe even treat yourself now and then).

With a bit of planning, a flexible mindset, and the right tools in your corner, it’s absolutely possible to travel well without overspending.

Want to make planning your next road trip easier?

The Road Trip Ready Toolkit is our all-in-one planning system designed to take the stress out of hitting the road. It includes printable and digital tools to help you:

• Track your budget and daily spending
• Plan your route and itinerary
• Organise your packing
• Prep your vehicle and gear
• And stay on top of all the little details that usually get forgotten

It’s the exact system we use to plan our own trips, whether it’s a weekend escape or a multi-week van adventure with our dog.

👉 Get the Road Trip Toolkit here and plan your next trip with confidence