Memorial Day Travel: 39.4 Million Americans are Road-Tripping – Here’s How to Do it Without Going Broke

Memorial Day weekend 2025 is about to be a highway free-for-all. According to AAA, a record 45.1 million Americans are ditching their routines, opting for Memorial Day travel and heading out of town. And 87% of them are doing it by car. That’s 39.4 million folks putting rubber to the road, with nothing but good snacks, bad GPS reroutes, and beachy playlists guiding the way.

Gas is cheaper than last year ($3.18 a gallon vs. $3.60), but road-tripping still isn’t exactly free, especially when good old inflation has your iced coffee budget maxed out before you even hit the freeway. 

But don’t worry: whether you’re heading for a beach, a backyard Airbnb, or just escaping your neighbor’s deafening leaf blower, here’s how to make Memorial Day travel a smart ride without blowing your summer budget.

Buckle up: Your road trip doesn’t need to drain your account

You can absolutely have an epic road trip and keep your finances intact. It just takes a little prep (and no, that doesn’t mean printing MapQuest directions or traveling with a roll of quarters).

Here’s how to hit the road without hitting financial rock bottom:

Gas up with a plan. Apps like GasBuddy can help you spot the cheapest gas in your area. No more paying $4.99 at that “quirky” roadside station with one working pump and a raccoon mascot.

Be your own snack dealer. Gas station snacks are a trap. Load up at the grocery store beforehand and pack a cooler like the fiscally responsible road warrior you are. Where possible, take advantage of discounts and jumbo deals for extra savings. 

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Sleep cheap. You don’t have to splurge on five-star resorts when you’re only there to sleep. Try budget-friendly motels, campgrounds, or reward redemptions if you’ve been hoarding credit card points like a squirrel with a spreadsheet.

Put a cap on it. Daily spending limits sound boring until you realize they’re the only thing stopping you from buying six souvenir mugs and a goat cheese platter at a roadside farmers market.

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Reward yourself (strategically). If you’ve got a travel rewards credit card, now’s the time to use it: on gas, hotels, or that weird roadside attraction with the world’s largest ball of twine.

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Don’t just road trip smart — summer smart

Let’s not forget: Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to full-on summer spending. And if you’re not careful, your June energy will come with an August-sized credit card bill. Some ways to play it cool, and keep some money in the bank:

Stick closer to home. You don’t need to fly to a far-off island to unwind. Free local events, hiking trails, or pool days can scratch the summer itch without the airfare.

Make your own fun. Backyard movie nights, potluck dinners, or “spa day but make it DIY” are all low-cost ways to enjoy summer without needing to Venmo your friend $83 for tapas.

Track it before you regret it. MoneyLion’s budgeting tools make it easy to stay on top of your spending while you’re pretending not to check your bank balance in public.

And remember: You don’t need to buy fun to have fun. The vibe is free. Let your budget breathe. 

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Memorial Day hacks for beating the rush (and the surge pricing)

AAA says the roads will be at their most chaotic Thursday and Friday afternoon, with return trips jammed on Memorial Day evening. Translation? Plan your exits and arrivals like you’re in an Ocean’s Eleven heist.

Here’s how to do it like a pro:

Drive during off-hours. Leave early or late to avoid traffic, and avoid paying a lot more for gas at peak times.

Book ahead. Big-name cities like Orlando, NYC, Las Vegas, and Seattle are topping the charts, so don’t wait to grab a place to stay. Because that “last-minute charm” will cost you.

Check the weather and routes. Don’t let surprise storms or construction detours wreck your vibe. Prep now, chill later.

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Hit the road — not your credit limit 

Summer road trips are a rite of passage, but they don’t need to be a financial horror story. With a little planning, a lot of snacks, and a realistic budget, you can make memories without making bad money decisions.

Want to make summer budgeting easy? Check out our post on smart summer spending strategies for more budget wins. Join MoneyLion today and use our free budgeting tools to track spending, set smart goals, and help avoid the oops-I-did-it-again financial blues.