There’s something special about hitting the open road, especially when you’re a college student trying to save money. The United States, with its many different landscapes and lively cities, offers lots of chances for unforgettable road trips.
This guide will help you plan your journey across America, giving you tips on cheap routes, hidden treasures, and useful advice to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Getting Started
Before we look at specific routes and places to visit, let’s cover some important information to help you plan your adventure.
Transportation
As a college student, you have a few options for your road trip vehicle:
1. Your Own Car
If you already have a reliable car, this is often the cheapest choice. Just make sure to have it checked by a mechanic before going on a long trip.
2. Car Rentals
Many big car rental companies offer special deals for college students. Companies like Enterprise and Hertz often have locations near colleges and may give discounts if you show your student ID. Expect to pay about $30-$50 per day for a small car, depending on where and when you rent.
3. Peer-to-peer Car Sharing
Websites like Turo let you rent cars from regular people, often for less money than big rental companies. Prices can be around $25-$40 per day for basic vehicles.
4. Camper Vans
For a different kind of experience, think about renting a camper van. Companies like Escape Campervans offer affordable options starting around $60-$100 per day, which can save you money on places to stay.
Visa Requirements
If you’re an international student studying in the US, make sure your visa allows you to travel inside the country. Most F-1 and J-1 visas let you travel within the US, but it’s always best to check with your university’s international student office. Here are some important points to remember:
- F-1 visa holders: You can generally travel freely within the US as long as you maintain your student status and have a valid I-20 form.
- J-1 visa holders: You can also travel within the US, but make sure you have a valid DS-2019 form
- Both F-1 and J-1 students should always carry their passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 record when traveling.
- If you plan to leave and re-enter the US during your trip, ensure you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Some visas may have travel restrictions, so always verify your specific situation.
- Remember that working during your road trip is generally not allowed on a student visa.
- If your visa is close to expiring, it’s best to renew it before embarking on a long trip.
Keep in mind that immigration rules can change, so always get the most up-to-date information from your international student office or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website before planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for a road trip depends on where you want to go and what you like. Here are some general tips:
- Summer (June-August): Great for national parks and outdoor activities, but prices are higher, and places are more crowded.
- Fall (September-November): Perfect for scenic drives with colorful leaves, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
- Spring (March-May): Good for mild weather and fewer crowds in popular places.
- Winter (December-February): Best for saving money, as prices are often lower, but be ready for possible bad weather in some areas.
Ultimately, each season offers unique experiences, so choose the time that best fits your interests and budget.
Driving Rules
Before hitting the road in the USA, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the basic driving rules to ensure a safe and legal journey.
- Always carry your driver’s license, car registration, and insurance information. You will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), so be sure to secure one.
- Learn about the specific traffic laws in each state, as they can be different.
- The legal driving age is 16, but most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 (some may rent to 18-20-year-olds for an extra fee).
- You must wear seatbelts in all states.
- It’s against the law to use a handheld phone while driving in many states.
By adhering to these rules, you’ll not only stay on the right side of the law but also contribute to safer roads for everyone.
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Tips for Driving in the USA
To make your American road trip smoother and more enjoyable, consider these practical tips:
1. Stay alert and take breaks often, especially on long stretches of highway.
2. Be ready for different weather, especially when crossing into different states.
3. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, flashlight, and basic tools.
4. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
5. Think about getting an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit many national parks.
These tips will help you navigate the diverse landscapes and long distances of the USA with greater ease and preparedness.
Save Money On a Road Trip: Important Things to Pack
Packing smartly can greatly enhance your road trip experience. Here’s a list of essential items to bring along:
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks and food that doesn’t go bad quickly
- Portable charger for your phone and other devices
- Paper maps (as a backup to GPS)
- Blanket and pillow for comfort during long drives
- Basic toiletries and medicines
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Reusable shopping bags for groceries and souvenirs
With these items on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the practicalities of life on the road while reducing waste and staying comfortable.
Start Your Road Trip
Now, let’s explore some budget-friendly road trip routes that show off the best of America’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Route 1: The Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Starting Point: San Francisco
Ending Point: Los Angeles
How Long: 5-7 days
Possible Cost: $500-$700 per person (not including places to stay)
As you leave the famous Golden Gate Bridge behind, the Pacific Coast Highway stretches out in front of you like a long road hugging the beautiful California coast. The salty sea air fills your lungs as you drive south, each turn showing you a new view more amazing than the last.
Source: Photo by heyengel
Your first stop is Santa Cruz, a relaxed beach town that really shows what California surf culture is all about. Walk along the old Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can hear people screaming on roller coasters and seagulls calling overhead. For a cheap meal, get a slice at Pizza My Heart, a local favorite where you can taste the flavors of California in every bite.
As you keep going south, you’ll get to the charming town of Monterey. Here, history and natural beauty come together at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s book. While the Monterey Bay Aquarium is great to visit, its $50 entry fee might be too much for a student budget. Instead, take a walk along the coastal trail and look for sea otters playing in the seaweed – it’s free and just as magical.
When you get near Big Sur, get ready to be amazed. This rugged stretch of coast is where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, creating a landscape that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for a photo that will make your Instagram followers jealous. For a cheap place to stay, think about setting up a tent at one of the state park campgrounds like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (around $35 per night).
The trip continues through the cute coastal towns of San Simeon and Morro Bay. In San Simeon, take a quick side trip to see the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas rookery – it’s free and a fascinating look at wildlife. As you get closer to Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, the scenery changes to Mediterranean-style buildings and palm-tree-lined beaches. Treat yourself to a walk down State Street, where you can look in shop windows and watch people without spending any money.
Your Pacific Coast Highway adventure ends in Los Angeles, where the big city meets the Pacific Ocean. Finish your trip with a picnic at sunset on Venice Beach, watching as the sky turns all sorts of bright colors over the ocean. The mix of street performers, skateboarders, and beachgoers creates a lively atmosphere that really captures the spirit of Southern California.
Where to Stay?
For budget-conscious travelers, the HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel offers shared rooms starting at around $40 per night. It’s just a few blocks from the beach, making it a great place to stay while exploring the city without spending too much.
Route 2: The Southwest National Parks Loop
Starting Point: Las Vegas, Nevada
Ending Point: Las Vegas, Nevada
How Long: 7-10 days
Possible Cost: $600-$800 per person (not including places to stay)
Your journey through the American Southwest starts in the bright, flashy city of Las Vegas. But don’t be tempted to try your luck at the casinos – the real prize is in the natural wonders outside the city.
As you leave Vegas behind, the landscape changes dramatically. Your first stop is Zion National Park in Utah, where huge sandstone cliffs in shades of cream, pink, and red tower above you. Hike the Narrows, walking through the Virgin River as it flows through a narrow canyon, the cool water feeling great in the desert heat. For a challenging but rewarding experience, try the Angels Landing trail, where sections with chains to hold onto lead you to amazing views that will take your breath away.
Continuing east, you’ll reach Bryce Canyon National Park. Here, a forest of rock spires called hoodoos creates a landscape that looks like it’s from another world, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Take the Navajo Loop Trail down into the amphitheater, where you’ll feel tiny next to the surrounding rock formations. The park is high up, so it’s cooler – pack warm clothes even in summer.
Next, go into the heart of Red Rock Country at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. Over 2,000 natural stone arches dot the landscape, with Delicate Arch standing as the park’s most famous sight. For a special experience, join a ranger-led stargazing program and marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the dark desert sky.
Source: Photo by SeanPavone
Your journey then takes you to the grand finale – the Grand Canyon. As you get close to the edge, nothing can prepare you for how big and beautiful this natural wonder is. Watch as the changing light paints the canyon walls in an ever-changing mix of colors. For a budget-friendly adventure, hike the Bright Angel Trail partway into the canyon, but remember that the trip back up is twice as hard.
Before going back to Las Vegas, take a side trip to Page, Arizona, to see the amazing Antelope Canyon. While guided tours can be expensive, the sight of sunbeams shining through the narrow, sculpted walls is worth the extra cost.
Where to Stay?
To save money on places to sleep, think about camping in the national parks. Most campgrounds cost $20-$30 per night and give you a chance to sleep under the starry desert sky. Just make sure to book well ahead of time, especially for popular parks like the Grand Canyon.
Route 3: The Deep South Music Trail
Starting Point: Nashville, Tennessee
Ending Point: New Orleans, Louisiana
How Long: 7-9 days
Possible Cost: $550-$750 per person (not including places to stay)
Start a journey through the heartland of American music, where the sounds of country, blues, and jazz were born. Your musical pilgrimage begins in Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music.
In Nashville, the air is filled with the twang of guitars and the dreams of hopeful songwriters. Start your exploration on Broadway, where honky-tonks like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge offer free live music from morning till night. For a taste of music history, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame (student tickets are around $25). End your Nashville stay with a visit to the famous Grand Ole Opry – while tickets to the show can be expensive, you can take a daytime backstage tour for about $33.
As you head south to Memphis, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll calls to you. Your first stop should be Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis all got their start. The tour (about $15) is full of stories that bring the golden age of rock to life. No visit to Memphis is complete without paying respects to the King at Graceland. While the mansion tour can be expensive, you can soak up the atmosphere for free at the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried.
From Memphis, follow the Mississippi River south into the Delta, the birthplace of the blues. Stop in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to visit the Delta Blues Museum ($10 entry) and see the famous crossroads where legend says Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his amazing guitar skills.
Source: Photo by Caleb George on Unsplash
Your musical journey ends in New Orleans, where jazz was born in the smoky clubs of Storyville. Wander through the French Quarter, where the sounds of saxophones and trumpets spill out onto the streets. For a real New Orleans experience, catch a show at Preservation Hall. While tickets are around $20, the small, intimate setting and world-class jazz make it worth the money.
Where to Stay?
In New Orleans, the India House Hostel offers shared rooms from $20 per night in a converted 19th-century mansion. Its location in Mid-City makes it easy to get to both the French Quarter and other neighborhoods by streetcar.
Cheap Road Trip to the US: FAQs
Is it safe for college students to go on road trips?
Road trips can be safe and fun for college students if you plan well. Always tell someone where you’re going, don’t drive when you’re tired, and trust your gut feelings in unfamiliar situations.
How can I save money on food during a road trip?
Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, shop at local grocery stores for picnic supplies, and look for lunch specials at restaurants. Apps like Yelp can help you find cheap places to eat.
What’s the best way to plan a route?
Use a mix of online mapping tools like Google Maps and paper maps. Plan your main stops ahead of time, but leave room for unexpected side trips and discoveries.
How can I find cheap places to stay?
Think about staying in hostels, camping, or using websites like CouchSurfing. For hotels, use comparison sites and look for student discounts. Booking early often gets you better prices.
What should I do if my car breaks down?
Have a roadside assistance plan (many car insurance policies include this). Keep a basic tool kit and know how to change a tire. In remote areas, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.
How can I meet other travelers or locals during my trip?
Stay in hostels, go to local events or festivals, and use apps like Meetup to find gatherings of people with similar interests. Always be careful and prioritize safety when meeting new people.
Wrapping Up This Road Trip On A Budget
Remember, the joy of a road trip is not just in the places you visit but in the journey itself. Embrace the freedom of the open road, be open to unexpected experiences, and create memories that will last long after you’ve returned to campus. Safe travels!
