Planning a Summer Road Trip? Here's How to Cut Costs
Drivers expect to spend about $2 per mile on average, or about $1,000 on road trips this summer, according to an Experian survey.

Summertime — warm weather, t-shirts, concerts in the park… and budget-friendly road trips. Errr, not so fast. Although drivers plan to travel about 500 miles this summer, according to a new survey by Experian, motorists expect to shell out some serious cash. The survey found that 20% of motorists say they will spend between $1000 to $1,499, even though their average budget is only $1,007. Only 3% plan to spend $100 or less.
“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. Check out the best credit cards for gas and EV charging rewards.

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.
How far will you go?
Only about one in nine road-trippers plan to drive more than 1,000 miles, with the average planned road trip mapped out to about half that, or 512 miles — just enough for motorists driving gas-powered cars to refuel at least once. The average electric car gets about 250 miles on one charge, according to the UC Davis Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Research Center.
Of course, some EVs will get less mileage, and some can get 350 miles or more. Many hybrid models can travel more than 500 miles on a full tank based on the results of Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway fuel-economy test.
Top three road trip expenses
Not surprisingly, most drivers say 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.
The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline slipped to $3.47 per gallon in June 2024 after peaking at almost $3.70 earlier this year. That’s good news for summer travel. In fact, indications are that gas prices are expected to be below average this summer as a result of the U.S. releasing some of its fuel reserves, but they are not likely to fall below $3 per gallon. 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 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
As reported by Kiplinger, car insurance rates will likely remain elevated until 2025, according to Bankrate’s True Cost of Auto Insurance Report. "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 Bankrate's tool below to help you compare rates.
Compare auto insurance rates
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
Trader Joe’s Expansion 2025: Full List of New Store Locations
Trader Joe’s is opening 21 new stores in 2025 across 13 states and Washington, D.C. See if a location is coming to your city and what makes this beloved grocer stand out.
By Paige Cerulli
-
Despite Economic Uncertainty, Americans Remain Confident About Retirement, Survey Shows
Saving and spending is a concern but most workers and retirees think they are on track based on a new survey.
By Donna Fuscaldo
-
How to Put Together Your Personal Net Worth Statement
Now that tax season is over for most of us, it's the perfect time to organize your assets and liabilities to assess your financial wellness.
By Denise McClain, JD, CPA
-
Bouncing Back: New Tunes for Millennials Trying to Make It
Adele's mournful melodies kick off this generation's financial playlist, but with the right plan, Millennials can finish strong.
By Alvina Lo
-
I'm Planning the Ultimate 2026 Disney World Vacation — Here’s How Our Kids Will Eat Free
Plan your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation now. Learn about the returning Disney Dining Plan, how kids aged three to nine eat free, and the exclusive benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
By Carla Ayers
-
What Are AI Agents and What Can They Do for You?
AI agents promise to be the next big thing in artificial intelligence, but what exactly do they do?
By Tom Taulli
-
Should You Buy an iPhone Now Before Tariffs Hit?
Looming tariffs can make an iPhone purchase seem urgent. Here's what to do if you need another phone but want to save money.
By Laura Gariepy
-
Here's When a Lack of Credit Card Debt Can Cause You Problems
Usually, getting a new credit card can be difficult if you have too much card debt, but this bank customer ran into an issue because he had no debt at all.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq.
-
Reminder: The Basics of Using HSA Funds
Health savings accounts (HSAs)can help you cover out-of-pocket medical costs. Just make sure you understand the rules and keep records of qualifying expenses.
By Ella Vincent
-
A Checklist for High-Net-Worth Individuals: How to Protect and Grow Your Wealth
A strategic guide to managing, preserving, and expanding your wealth for long-term financial security.
By Dori Zinn