How I Save Money on Gas While Traveling the Country
(My Real Road Trip Strategies That Actually Work)
One of the biggest questions I get from people when they hear about my travels is:
“How do you afford all that gas?”
When you’re driving thousands of miles across the country like I do, fuel can easily become your biggest expense. But over the past few years of road-tripping, I’ve learned a lot of little tricks that add up to huge savings over time.
Between apps, rewards programs, route planning, and a few smart habits, I often save 50¢ – $1.00 per gallon compared to the average traveler.
Here are the exact strategies I use while traveling full-time with my Jeep and my dog Buster.
1. Use the Upside App for Cash Back on Gas
The Upside app has been one of the easiest ways I save money on gas.
It shows gas stations nearby that offer cash back per gallon, and the savings add up quickly when you're driving long distances.
Here’s how I use it:
• Before I get gas, I open the app
• It shows nearby stations with the best cash back offers
• I “claim” the offer
• Pay with my card like normal
• The cash back goes straight into my Upside account
Sometimes I’ll get 10¢ – 25¢ back per gallon, but I’ve seen offers as high as 40¢ per gallon in certain cities. It doesn't stop there either...you can get cash back on major restaurants and groceries too!
One additional tip: Upside usually has promos if you fill up a certain number of times in a month, they'll give and additional amount of cents off per gallon. Most of the time it's 30¢ per gallon on top of what you're already getting back at the station! I usually can earn that promo and fill up my tank with about 50¢ off PER gallon!
Over thousands of miles, that adds up to hundreds of dollars saved.
2. Join Gas Station Rewards Programs
Most major gas stations have free loyalty programs that give instant discounts on fuel.
These are some of the ones I regularly use:
• Circle K Easy Rewards
• Love’s Connect App
• Shell Fuel Rewards
• Exxon Rewards+
Many of these programs offer:
• 5¢ – 10¢ per gallon discounts
• Bonus points toward free drinks or food
• Extra promotions for frequent travelers
Truck stops like Love’s are especially great when traveling long distances because they are easy to access and usually located right along major highways. Circle K is definitely a fave of mine too. On top of my Upside rewards, they gave me about 20¢ off per gallon for the first few fillups and I still get different promos for cheaper gas!
3. Ask ChatGPT to Find the Cheapest Gas on My Route
This might be one of my favorite travel hacks.
When I'm planning a drive, I simply ask ChatGPT something like:
“Find the cheapest gas stations along my route from Nashville to Chattanooga.”
It will often point me to smaller towns just outside major cities where gas is significantly cheaper.
For example, I’ve noticed:
• Gas near major tourist areas is almost always more expensive
• Small towns 10–15 minutes away can be 30¢–60¢ cheaper
Over time you start to learn where those “sweet spot” gas towns are along your routes.
4. Fill Up Before Entering Tourist Areas
This is a trick that saves me money all the time.
Gas prices tend to spike in:
• Tourist towns
• Beach areas
• National parks
• Major cities
So instead of filling up there, I stop 20–30 minutes before I reach those areas.
Places like:
• Rural exits
• Small farming towns
• Highway intersections outside cities
Almost always have cheaper gas.
5. Avoid Letting My Tank Get Too Low
When you let your tank get extremely low, you lose the ability to shop around for cheaper stations.
If you’re desperate for gas, you’ll pay whatever price is closest.
I try to refill when my tank is around ¼ full so I still have flexibility to drive to a cheaper station.
6. Drive More Efficiently
This may sound simple, but it really matters on long road trips.
A few habits can noticeably improve gas mileage:
• Driving around 65 mph instead of 75+ mph
• Using cruise control when possible
• Avoiding rapid acceleration
• Keeping tires properly inflated
Even a small improvement in fuel efficiency can save dozens of gallons over a long trip.
7. Combine Driving with Earning
Since I often travel while working apps like DoorDash or Walmart Spark, I try to plan my gas stops around cities where I’ll also be working deliveries.
That way the driving I’m doing is earning money instead of just spending money.
It’s one of the reasons I like staying near mid-size cities while traveling.
8. Keep Vehicle Maintained
Vehicle maintenance plays a big role in fuel economy.
Things I try to stay on top of include:
• Oil changes
• Tire pressure
• Air filters
• Alignment
A poorly maintained vehicle can easily lose 10–15% fuel efficiency.
9. Plan Scenic Routes That Avoid Traffic
One thing I’ve learned after thousands of miles on the road is that stop-and-go traffic burns far more gas than steady highway driving.
Sometimes scenic backroads actually end up being more fuel efficient because you’re not constantly braking and accelerating.
Plus, they’re usually a lot more beautiful and provides a lot more scenic places to stop and walk to stretch our legs.
The Bigger Picture
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you learn a few smart strategies.
By combining:
• Gas rewards programs
• Cash back apps
• Route planning
• Good driving habits
You can save hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars a year on fuel.
For me, those savings mean more freedom to keep exploring the country, discovering beautiful places, and sharing the journey here on Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures.
Final Tip
If you travel often, I highly recommend downloading the Upside app and joining a couple gas station rewards programs.
They’re completely free, and the savings start immediately.
Sometimes the smallest travel hacks end up making the biggest difference.
✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey
Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures
Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.
My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.
About Sharla
Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.
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Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only share tools, resources, and products I’ve personally used, researched, or believe genuinely support healing.