Summertime — warm weather, t-shirts, concerts in the park… and budget-friendly road trips. Errr, not so fast. And it looks like summer 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the road trip. According to a new GSTV survey, 84% of responders plan to use their own vehicle for a road trip this summer, and 56% plan to travel by car more than they did last summer.
There are a few different reasons while this seems to be the case for this year. Both higher flight prices and cheaper gas prices are root causes. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the average domestic flight cost for 2024 was $384 per person. Although this isn't a drastic change from previous years, the rising cost of other household items like groceries and rent doesn't leave much wiggle room. For a family of four, that can quickly add up.
Average gas prices in America have slightly gone down: it's currently $3.18 per gallon, while 2024 prices averaged at $3.49.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“Consumers may not have much control over some of the costs of their vacation, but there are many ways to prepare in advance so that they can save more,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for Experian. “I always suggest consumers make a budget before finalizing their vacation plans, then research costs for different accommodations, activities and experiences, and book those accordingly.”
Additionally, Griffin suggests leveraging credit cards to earn reward points and discounts to apply toward vacation plans.
How far will you go?
According to GSTV, 60% of people polled plan to drive over 300 miles this summer. Domestic beaches and/or resorts are at the top of their travel lists this summer; 58% call it their top destination versus the 23% of people who said they were visiting a National Park this summer.
Top three road trip expenses
A 2024 Experian survey noted that most road trippers said they expect gasoline (76%) and lodging (61%) to be the biggest expenses on their road trip, and another 47% say food will be one of their big-ticket items this summer.
Indications in 2024 were that gas prices were expected to be below average as a result of the U.S. releasing some of its fuel reserves, but they are not likely to fall below $3 per gallon. The same is shaping up to be true for summer 2025. Honestly, unless you're driving an electric car this summer, you’re looking for ways to save on gas.
Other anticipated costs
Other expected costs, according to Experian, while on the road are entertainment (18%), car maintenance (10%) and vehicle rental (6%). Understandably, 15% of those surveyed also mentioned insurance premium costs for their own vehicle or, if they rent, the additional coverage they'll either use or purchase for their rental.
Insurance costs have climbed more than 26% since 2023. As such, they have become a constant pain point among many motorists, even on vacation.
Griffin points out that, “consumers can consider splitting costs with friends or family members, sharing hotel rooms and packing food instead of eating out at restaurants for all of their meals to help cut back on some of these expenses.”
Test drive insurance premiums
According to Bankrate’s True Cost of Auto Insurance Report, the average cost of full coverage car insurance reached $2,638 in 2025. This was a pretty steep 12% increase from 2024.
"So, if you think this summer’s road trip may break your budget, Griffin adds, "it may be time to compare car insurance quotes online from top auto insurance carriers."
If you're rethinking your auto insurance, check out the tool below to help you compare rates, powered by Bankrate.
Related Content
-
The Surprising Truth About Loneliness and LongevityWe've all heard about the epidemic of loneliness that can shorten lives and make retirement miserable. But there's more to the story.
-
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared?The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared? The dollar's fall has been troubling because inflation appears to be constrained and the economy has been strong. Here's what it means for investors.
-
How Four Families Handled Natural DisastersFour families whose homes were damaged or destroyed share their stories.
-
How to Plan the Perfect Italian Dream Trip After 60Proper preparation is everything for U.S. retirees when planning an Italy "trip of a lifetime."
-
I Let AI Plan My Next Vacation. The Results Were Unexpected.Some people are turning to AI tools instead of travel planners for their trips — and it does have its perks.
-
My First $1 Million: Retiree, 63, Chicago Metro AreaEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Do You Need Flood Insurance? I'm an Insurance Expert, and Here's Where You Can Get ItStandard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so you might need separate flood insurance, which you can get either through FEMA or private companies. Here are the details.
-
I'm an Investment Professional: These Are the Three Money Tips I'm Giving My College GradCollege grads can help set themselves up for financial independence by focusing on emergency savings, opting into a 401(k) at work (if it's offered) and disciplined, long-term investing.
-
3 Things Dave Ramsey Says to Stop Buying — and 2 That Are Worth ItDebt-free living starts with smart choices. Here's what Ramsey says to avoid and where your money is well spent.
-
Five Big Beautiful Bill Changes and How Wealthy Retirees Can BenefitHere's how wealthy retirees can plan for the changes in the new tax legislation, including what it means for tax rates, the SALT cap, charitable giving, estate taxes and other deductions and credits.
