How to Save Money on Your Summer Road Trip: Tips for Smarter, Cheaper Driving
24 July 2025 | 
Planning a summer road trip? You’re not alone – Google searches for ‘roadtrip’ in the UK have surged by nearly 7,000% since early July. But with fuel prices still high and holiday costs up 11.5% year-on-year, the big getaway doesn’t always come cheap.
The good news? There are some clever ways to cut the cost of your journey without cutting corners. From fuel-saving driving habits to flexible temporary car insurance, we’ve rounded up the best ways to save money on the road this summer – including how to stay covered if you’re borrowing a car or driving to Europe.
1. Drive More Efficiently to Save on Fuel
It sounds simple, but how you drive can have a big impact on your fuel costs. Sharp acceleration, hard braking and unnecessary gear changes can burn through your tank much faster than needed.
Stick to smooth, steady driving – ease off the throttle when you can, and aim to keep your revs low. Not only will this help you stretch your fuel further, but it also makes for a more relaxing journey – especially on long-distance drives.
2. Keep Your Car in Good Shape
Under-inflated tyres and overdue services don’t just affect safety – they can eat into your fuel efficiency too. It’s worth doing a quick maintenance check before you set off, especially if your car’s been parked up for a while.
Tyres should be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and you’ll want to top up oil and coolant as needed. Keep an eye on warning lights and don’t ignore faulty bulbs – defective lights can result in a fine of up to £60 and 3 penalty points on your licence.
If you’re using someone else’s vehicle, make sure it’s roadworthy before you go and that you’re legally covered to drive it, by securing temporary insurance. Driving other cars’ cover doesn’t always mean you’re insured to drive someone else’s car for a holiday.
3. Pack Light and Ditch the Roof Box
The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses. Even unused roof boxes, racks, or bags in the boot can reduce your miles per gallon. Go through your boot and pack only what you really need.
If you overload your vehicle by more than 10%, you could face a fine of up to £200 – not exactly the road trip souvenir anyone wants.
4. Use Smarter Fuel Stops
Fuel prices can vary a lot, even within a single town. Supermarkets are often the cheapest option, and many offer loyalty points or discounts on fuel when you shop.
Try not to wait until your tank’s nearly empty before filling up, especially on busy routes or in remote areas where prices tend to spike. Apps like PetrolPrices and Waze can help you plan cheaper stops along your route.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, use apps like Zap-Map to plan where to charge up and avoid costly top-ups at peak-rate stations.
5. Save on Insurance with Flexible Cover
If you’re borrowing a car for the holidays, sharing the driving, or using a vehicle you don’t normally insure, you don’t need to pay for a full annual policy. Temporary car insurance is designed to give you short-term cover, from just 1 hour to 28 days.
It’s quick to set up and typically much cheaper than adjusting or extending an existing policy. You can be on the road in under 2 minutes, with comprehensive cover.
Whether you’re joining a road trip with friends or sharing the driving on a family getaway, temporary insurance gives you the freedom to drive legally – without the long-term cost.
6. Driving to Europe? Make Sure You’re Covered
If your summer adventure takes you beyond the UK, you’ll need European car insurance to meet local requirements.
GoShorty’s temporary European cover lets you drive legally in most EU countries, with the flexibility to insure only the time you’re abroad. It’s ideal for road trips to France, Spain, Italy and beyond – especially if you’re borrowing a car or sharing the driving. Your insured journey just needs to start and end in the UK.
Don’t Let Costs Cut Your Summer Short
A well-planned road trip doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart tweaks and the right cover in place, you can focus on the journey – not the cost.
Whether you’re heading to the coast for a few days, exploring the UK’s beauty spots, or driving to Europe, temporary insurance gives you the flexibility to travel your way. No long-term commitment, no faff – just fast, flexible cover when you need it.
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