{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip","text":"Hit the road without blowing your budget. Discover easy budget road trip tips and low-cost travel ideas for exploring Australia.\r\n","links":[{"name":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1748247793304/plan-a-budget-road-trip.png","alt":"3 kids in the back of the car with seatbelts on and with their hands up looking excited","width":3816,"height":2148},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Save well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/save-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Low-cost travel planning starts before you leave home","text":"\u003Cp\u003EPlanning a road trip? We’ve rounded up smart, simple ways to save without sacrificing the fun. From finding affordable eats to sourcing budget-friendly accommodation, these ideas will help you stay on budget and stress-free while making the most of every kilometre.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/page_header.shellimg.png/1748247783217/plan-a-budget-road-trip-header.png","alt":"3 kids in the back of the car with seatbelts on and with their hands up looking excited","width":3834,"height":957},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on May 15, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy/author.shellimg.png/1748015378030/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EThere’s nothing quite like an Australian road trip. Perhaps you’re heading off for an East Coast drive filled with spontaneous beach stopovers or you’re planning a journey inland down dusty open highways with stop offs at quintessential outback towns. No matter where you’re headed, the freedom of the open road is priceless – but the costs can add up fast if you’re not prepared. These road trip money-saving tips will help keep your wallet in check without skimping on any fun.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe key to any road trip on a budget is planning ahead. Start by setting a realistic budget and factor in variable costs such as fuel. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/best-places-to-see-wildlife-in-australia-via-road-trip.html\"\u003EMapping out your route\u003C/a\u003E in advance can help you avoid unnecessary detours or toll roads.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAccommodation can be a big part of the budget, especially in popular regional towns. Booking motels or hotels in advance – particularly during school holidays or long weekends – can help you lock in better rates. Travelling outside peak periods can also make a difference on your wallet. If you’re open to a little adventure, apps such as \u003Ca href=\"https://www.wikicamps.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWikiCamps\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.yha.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYHA\u003C/a\u003E offer affordable accommodation ideas for campsites, hostels, and caravan parks, for example \u003Ca href=\"https://gdayparks.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EG’day Parks\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBe sure to check out booking and experience sites such as Groupon and Get Your Guide for discounts and online prices for local attractions. \u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOn-the-go road trip money-saving tips\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce you’re on the road, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/fuel-efficient-driving-habits.html\"\u003Edriving habits make a difference\u003C/a\u003E to your overall road trip savings. According to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.energy.gov.au/households/transport#toc_6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eenergy.gov.au\u003C/a\u003E, lightening your load by removing roof racks or packing light can improve fuel efficiency. On the highway, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cost-effective-air-conditioning-tips.html\"\u003Eair conditioning is more fuel efficient\u003C/a\u003E than driving with the windows down. And when it comes time to refuel, stop at the first click – overfilling your tank can waste fuel.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIt’s also a good idea to track your expenses as you go. Whether it’s a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-much-to-budget-for-a-road-trip.html\"\u003Esimple spreadsheet\u003C/a\u003E or a budgeting app, keeping on track of your spending means you’ll know where to splurge and where to save.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EEat well, spend smart\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFood is another area where costs can quickly climb. While it’s fun to indulge at the local cafes and pubs, try balancing it with a few planned meals. Stock up at supermarkets and pack easy snacks or lunches to go. Better yet, have your passenger order groceries online via a supermarket app and schedule pick up in your next destination – saving you time and money.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3 tips for affordable road trips\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck local council websites or tourism boards for free activities such as markets and festivals. National park websites are also a great source for walking trails and nature spots suited to all ages and fitness levels.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ESites such as Trip Advisor and Yelp are not just for international tourists. Type words such as “cheap eats” followed by your destination to find a list of cheap dining options alongside handy reviews.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBring your own gear such as cooking basics, camping chairs, picnic blankets and reusable water bottles so you are not buying or renting on the go.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ol\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E \u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Save well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fsave-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 9.75px; vertical-align: sub;\"\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on July 20, 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"How much to budget for a road trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-much-to-budget-for-a-road-trip.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop.shellimg.png/1747986805772/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1027702471","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on September 07, 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"10 money-saving ideas for your next road trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/ten-money-saving-ideas-for-your-next-road-trip.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1027702471.shellimg.png/1747986963668/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_188145015","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on February 15, 2022\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Five new podcasts for your next car trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/five-new-podcasts-for-your-next-car-trip.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_188145015.shellimg.png/1747987038660/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy/simple_996584123_cop","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip","text":"Hit the road without blowing your budget. Discover easy budget road trip tips and low-cost travel ideas for exploring Australia.\r\n","date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Smart ways to save money on a road trip | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/smart-ways-to-save-money-on-a-road-trip"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. Accordingly, neither Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group endorses, adopts, certifies or otherwise validates the information and material contained on the linked website. 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