Planning a Summer Road Trip That Doesn’t Break the Bank

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Planning a summer road trip gives you the chance to explore new places and make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, a new city, or the beach, a well-planned road trip can be the highlight of your summer.

Road trips can get expensive quickly if you’re not careful. With all the apps, online bookings and card swipes involved, it’s also smart to think about protecting your finances and personal information on the go.

Here’s how to plan an epic summer road trip while staying on budget and keeping your info safe.

Map It Out, But Leave Room to Explore

A good road trip has a balance of structure and spontaneous stops. Plan your route in advance so you can estimate mileage, gas costs, and lodging, but leave flexibility for unexpected stops or detours.

Use road trip planning tools like Roadtrippers or Google Maps to organize your route, attractions and rest stops. Be sure to download offline maps just in case you hit areas with bad service, or in case your phone dies.

Set a Realistic Budget

While planning a summer road trip, estimating the cost of these things is essential:

  • Gas
  • Lodging
  • Meals and snacks
  • Attractions or park fees
  • Emergency fund

Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest fuel along your route. It also has free travel budget calculators that can help you estimate totals.

Money-saving tip: Pack your food for the road if possible and bring your own snacks and drinks. This can help you cut down on gas station impulse buys and saves you money on meals.

Protect Your Personal and Financial Info

Traveling means you might connect to public Wi-Fi, be swiping your cards at unfamiliar places and using your devices more than usual. Keep your personal information safe with these tips:

  • Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
  • Turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi on your phone to avoid accidentally connecting to unsecured networks.
  • Set up mobile alerts for large transactions so you can spot suspicious activity quickly.
  • Keep a backup payment method handy just in case.

If you’re planning to use ATMs, stick to machines at financial institutions or inside trusted locations rather than stand-alone ATMs, which are more prone to tampering.

Diamond Credit Union members have access to over 55,000 no-fee ATMs, and a helpful tool to help you find ones near you. Use this ATM locator to find an ATM near you.

Look for Affordable Lodging Options

Hotels can be pricey during peak summer travel season. Consider:

  • Booking early for better deals
  • Using reward points or credit card travel perks
  • Staying at motels, hostels, or campgrounds
  • Checking vacation rental sites for cheaper multi-night stays
  • Exploring apps like HotelTonight for last-minute discounts

With Diamond’s Visa Platinum Rewards Card you can redeem rewards on all things travel including lodging, excursions and transportation.

Money-saving tip: If you’re road-tripping with friends or family, split the cost of an Airbnb or a larger suite—it’s often cheaper than booking separate rooms.

Take Advantage of Free Fun

Nature is your friend when you’re on a budget. National parks, scenic byways, lakes, and hiking trails are perfect for free or low-cost adventures. Many museums and attractions also offer free days or discounted admission if you plan ahead.

Money-saving tip: Buy a National Parks Annual Pass if you’re visiting multiple parks—it’s a one-time fee that pays for itself after just a few visits.

Planning a summer road trip doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and budgeting, you can explore the open road with peace of mind.

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