6 Tips For Driving Across America on an Extratight Budget

While movies and shows play up the fantasy of simply throwing clothes in a suitcase and seeing where the road takes you, I'd encourage you not to do this if you're on a budget.

Instead, put in the time and plan your route beforehand. Not only will this save you a lot of money, but it will also guarantee a more successful — and less stressful — kind of trip.

If you have a limited amount of time, like we did, go ahead and list out a good majority of the places you'd like to see along your journey. This way, you can figure out how much time you'll need in each state, city, or town, and you can plan your route accordingly.

Please note, I am by no means suggesting that you forget about spontaneity. The sporadic detours and random stops along the way made for some of the most memorable moments of our trip. However, if you take time to do even the slightest of research beforehand, this will ensure your budget takes you further, and you won't miss out on any cool places in certain areas.