The United States is one of the most varied countries in the world. From coast to coast and border to border, it fits numerous dialects, endless food possibilities, and experiences that everyone should try at least once in their lives.  If you’re road-tripping, you’re already saving money by not flying from major city to major city.

Here are some of the top ways to save money while traveling across the USA!

Where You Spend The Most Time

Although you may want to see more of California and enjoy the difference between the north’s vineyards and the stars of the south: this state will quickly drain your pockets.  From higher pay for where you stay to higher gas prices and other expenses.  This is compared to a state like North Carolina, which is incredibly varied, from beautiful Outer Banks islands to the deep, snowy Appalachian Mountains. This state is also far cheaper and even has its filming city in Wilmington, often called Hollywood East.

Where You Spend Your Nights

On a country-wide road trip, there’s a need for planning.  If you don’t schedule where and when you’ll go places, you may end up taking twice as long to get around.  Instead, map it out, down to where you’ll spend every night.

The urge to find hotel chains in every city may be enormous: but that sucks all of the money out of your bank account.  Instead, look at some of the best AirBnbs in the US, and see what they have to offer.  AirBnbs are often cheaper, more comfortable, and more accessible from the areas you’ll want to visit.  If you’re going to make this more fun, look for rentals that play up the area’s theme, like a cowboy-themed one for Austin, Texas, or a sports-team-themed one for Green Bay, Wisconsin.

What Entertainment Are You Taking Part In?

Nobody drives across the country to look at it through car windows.  What entertainment, or intrigue, is pulling you to each city?  Sights like Route 66 in Oklahoma, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Chicago Cultural Center are free to visit and take in.  Try to balance one or two free fun things per each experience you have to pay for.  Although there’s nothing wrong with splurging here or there, if your entire road trip is the expensive exhibits, you’re going to run out of money before you get halfway through.

What Are You Taking With You?

An extra 100 pounds can increase your gas usage by up to 2%.  Although this cost seems minor, you’re not simply driving from coast to coast; you’re making stops and staying nights at places, taking detours, and varying your car’s speed.  That extra weight is going to add up quickly.  Pack lightly, primarily clothes, a couple of books, and emergency supplies, and try to ensure you’re not bringing anything pointlessly heavy.

Road-tripping across the USA is something that everyone in the country should do at least once.  Not only will you get to take in new sights, but the experiences will also reshape how you view the country for the rest of your life.

Feature Photo by Kyle Calhoun on Unsplash