The Great American Road Trip Makes a Comeback

Road trips are picking up speed again. As airfare, hotels, and overseas vacations grow pricier, more Americans are choosing the highway over the runway.

A 2025 Enterprise Mobility survey found that two-thirds of U.S. travelers are planning an overnight leisure trip this year, and nearly 90% of them will be exploring closer to home.

The Road Trip Renaissance

It goes in tandem with a general pivot toward more domestic travel, according to Reuters. In early 2025, growing uncertainty in the Stock Market was pushing many American vacationers to reconsider a trip abroad. The result has been good for the U.S. tourism industry. 

At the same time, gasoline prices have now recovered from their highs following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Average prices reached $5.032 a gallon in June 2022. Prices at the time of writing remain nearer the three-dollar mark, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Why Road Trips Rule 

An insightful entry from TheTravelingFool podcaster Bob Bales explores the upside to taking the road option over flying. His list of advantages for four wheels over two wings is as follows:

• No airport lines or hassles; no TSA confrontations, dealing with other passengers, and being at the whim of schedule failures;
• Control over one’s environment; you can adjust the experience to suit all your comfort needs and personal tastes.
• Freedom of choice over where one can go and when: he enjoys stopping off with no focus on time constraints.
• Confidence in one’s vehicle: knowing you have roadside assistance and being prepared for the scenario is comforting.
• More connection to people and places; road trips allow travelers to see places in a more intimate manner, not some sanitized tourist itinerary.

In any case, road trips are officially in the trending column, getting the complete ‘20s treatment from their newest adherents. Social media influencers are a firm part of the modern road trip zeitgeist. In fact, it’s the younger generation spreading much of the enthusiasm. While no road trip influencer has taken the mantle of being the most influential, there are several prominent trend-setters one can follow. 

“One reason road trips remain so popular is that you don’t have to leave your four-legged companions behind,” said Jason Wilson of Caninely. “For many travelers, the joy of the journey is doubled when their pets are part of the adventure.”

More Than a Trend

A good example is road trip lifestyle writer and content creator Ariel Evans. Her website, America from the Road, has taken many years of travel experience to compile and is now paying dividends. She recently won the 2025 North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) award. 

More from this section

Recall: Bariatric Fusion Vitamins Pulled for Missing Child-Safe Caps

Cluster bombs kill, wound over 1,200 in Ukraine since 2022: monitor

New wellness-themed mural unveiled on Willson Avenue in Bozeman

The website states its aim: “to encourage travel to and within the United States through informative content and inspiring photography.” Clearly, Evans is striking a chord with a growing road trip market. She is one of many others promoting the road lifestyle, much like the hugely popular Van Life movement.

The Van Life Catalyst

While Van Life has been going strong for over a decade, the original #vanlife post came from Foster Huntington, a lifestyle pioneer. For enthusiasts looking for an even more self-sufficient road trip, or those considering a permanent one, his book is a must-buy. “Van Life: Your Home on the Road” was published in 2017 and gives wannabe van-lifers a guide for long-term road trip success.

Those itching to put on their driving gloves have many factors to consider when planning and carrying out their road trip ambitions. Thankfully, enthusiastic researchers share their experiences, pitfalls, and hacks with us, making that road trip more accessible than ever.

Road Trips Gas Hacks

For example, a 2024 MoneySmartGuides post reveals tangible ways for reducing one’s cost-per-gallon:

• Discount apps, such as Upside and GasGuru, offer discounts on each gallon you buy from certain vendors.
• Gas station fuel rewards programs make sense, considering most gas stations are nationwide.
• Free gasoline gift cards are possible if you don’t mind completing surveys, questionnaires, or even video games. Swagbucks is a good option.
• Gas station credit cards offer incentives for refuelling at their locations. 
• Buying gasoline from warehouse club retailers, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, can be cheaper.
• Seeking charity help is possible: places like the Salvation Army and United Way offer gas top-up cards to lower-income families.

Cutting costs at the gas pump is just one method for saving money on road trips. Other ways to do this include driving slower to burn less gas or making packed lunches instead of using diners. However, the savings needn’t stop there: you can plan an entire journey packed with free attractions, nature spots, and low-cost campgrounds. 

The Experts’ Approach

Meanwhile, an AAA blog post offers some valid checklist points to help plan for such a trip, ranging from checking tire and fluid levels to packing emergency supplies and mapping out refueling points. A clear message in this post is to involve everyone in the family. Letting the kids choose the stops, pack the snacks, or plan the music gives every road trip participant something to look forward to. 

America has always had an affinity with the road. Some would argue that the great American road trip is a rite of passage for all drivers, not least those new to the game. Therefore, knowing the risks and rewards of a road trip has never been more pertinent. 

“Road trips are about freedom, but also discovery,” noted Gabrielle Schmauderer from Guessing Headlights. “Every mile gives drivers a chance to stumble upon something unexpected, whether that’s a roadside landmark or a hidden diner that never shows up in a travel guide.”