How to Road Trip on a Budget as a Photographer

One of the best parts of being a landscape photographer is the adventure that comes with it. There's just something about waking up with a jet boil coffee, miles of open highway through the middle of beautiful nowhere and catching that last bit of glow on a distant peak... it feels simple and freeing. But as we all know those travel costs can add up fast and the quickest way to lose your creativity is feeling stressed about money during a trip that should be doing the opposite.

Here are my favorite tips for road tripping on a budget as a photographer. These are the things I have learned from years of long drives, backcountry camps and early alarms that start with a sleepy-eyed sunrise and end with a Milky Way session. This guide keeps things practical and also stays focused on the art. Because the goal is not only to save money, but to create space for creativity.

Plan with Intent

A budget friendly road trip starts before you even leave. Planning helps you avoid extra drives, last minute changes and wasted fuel. I'm the first to admit that I sometimes pack and plan last minute and this usually leads to a store stop where I have to buy the things I already have at home. So, instead I like to start by choosing a region with dense photo opportunities. Look for small clusters of locations that offer sunrise, sunset, and night options. This cuts down on long drives and gives you more time to explore.

Use apps like PhotoPills for sun and moon alignment and Google Earth for terrain scouting. Create a packing list, as detailed as you want, to avoid missing those things you never thought you would forget (memory cards, charging cables, a warm jacket) This saves money and time and it also keeps your creative energy high.

Keep Lodging Simple

Hotels are nice but they add cost fast. For photographers, simple lodging works well. Car camping, tent camping or staying in affordable campgrounds lets you stay close to your subjects. You get to wake up right in your location which makes sunrise easier and cuts your fuel use.

If camping is not your thing, find small independent motels a little outside the main attractions. They cost less and usually have more charm than big chains. I also like to check for Airbnb's if I am staying a couple days somewhere, this gives you usually more steady Wi-Fi and if you look for it, a washer and dryer to use, these are typically a little less than a hotel for the longer stays. And if all else fails there's the friendly Motel 6 (pet friendly, front desk open late and good Wi-Fi).

Pack Food and Drinks

Look I know that late night Denny's craving after a long night shoot and it's the only things open, but eating out can drain your budget faster than anything. I like to pre cook as many things as I can so that if I have to cook something while camping (which I am lazy and hate to do) it's nothing more than heating up something I already cooked at home. A great way to do this is with a vacuum sealer and some boil rated bags for it. This way you cook the most delicious food in the comfort of your own kitchen and then simply boil some water at the camp site to reheat it. I also pack easy food that does not need much prep (chicken salad, deli meats, bagged salad, veggie trays or charcuterie board fixings.

Keep in mind I have an electric cooler; I highly recommend this as an investment especially if you do a lot of camping and have the capability, if not, a regular cooler works as well. In which case I recommend buying dry ice at the grocery store versus regular ice. This keeps everything cooler longer and you avoid the water at the bottom of the cooler this way (nothing worse than soggy food from ice melt). All of this keeps your schedule flexible and turns your meals into quiet breaks rather than rushed road stops.

Use a Fuel Strategy

Fuel is one of the biggest road trip expenses. Apps like GasBuddy help you find cheaper stations along your route. Avoid filling up in remote tourist spots where fuel prices sit much higher. Don't forget to sign up for rewards programs at stations that are nationwide., I really like Love's or Pilot, they are almost everywhere and offer a lot of amenities on the road.

Also, I suppose it's worth noting your tank can stretch further if you drive at steady speeds and avoid fast acceleration. This keeps your gear safe too since smoother driving protects sensitive electronics and lenses. I'm also no mechanic, but my Dad (who was) always told me to use the fuel recommended for you vehicle, this add more efficiency, so just because the 85 is cheaper doesn't mean it will be for your car, this kind of thing impacts fuel efficiency as well as engine power (from what I understand, again I'm not a certified mechanic)

Choose Low-Cost Destinations

The United States has endless public lands that are free or low cost to access and camp within. National forests, BLM land and state parks are some of the best places to photograph. These areas give you varied foregrounds, strong sunsets and dark skies without heavy fees. Entry based parks like national parks are great but you can save money by choosing places that do not have high entrance or permit costs and maybe save a little sanity with smaller crowds.

If you are a National Park Geek and these places are at the top of your list, consider going in an off season. Not only will this save you money of things like lodging or camping, but it also offers less crowds and more unique shots. There are just some places that yes, they look beautiful in season but can also look just as interesting in the off season. Especially desert locations, some can even get snow which makes them all the more unique and tells such a cool story.

Keep Your Gear Tight

You do not need every piece of gear for a road trip. Bring the basics that you know you will use. A simple kit keeps you organized and prevents expensive mistakes like forgetting a key filter or battery charger. The number of times a specific cable or battery is forgotten behind is... a lot. I used to bring all the gear with me, you know for that "in case this happens...", it still hasn't happened. Sticking to the basics helps to avoid that amazon locker delivery, even though you have that piece at home. Plus, when you know your kit well you work faster and more creatively.

Let Creativity Lead Your Decisions

The best road trips come from being open to what the landscape offers. When you let creativity lead you avoid unnecessary spending. You spend less time in a hotel room or on a long drive and more time capturing that fleeting moment you would have otherwise missed and thus creating thoughtful work. This shift improves your experience and your images. A budget trip does not mean a limited trip. It means a focused one.

Final Thoughts

Road tripping on a budget does not take away the magic of the journey. It gives you freedom and fuels the stories you will tell long after the adventure is over. When you know your costs are low you can relax into the slow rhythm of the road. You can spend more time noticing light and less time worrying about your wallet. In the end this is what makes the images stronger. Simple moments, simple gear and an artist who is open to the story of the place.