Christmas Road Trip Budget: Plan the Drive Without the Stress
For lots of Aussie families, Christmas means a long drive: to the grandparents, the coast or the farm. Fuel, tolls, food and a night or two on the road can add up to more than the presents. Here's how to plan a Christmas road trip budget so the drive doesn't wreck the holiday.
Step 1: Map the trip and list every cost
Write down the route, how many days you're on the road, and where you're stopping. Then list the costs line by line:
- Fuel: distance divided by your car's fuel use, both ways, plus driving around once you arrive.
- Tolls: check your route on your toll account or a map app.
- Overnight stops: motels, caravan parks or campsites.
- Food on the road: servo stops add up fast.
- Pets: boarding or a pet sitter if they're not coming.
- The extras: a car service before you go, parking, attractions and a small buffer.
Step 2: Work out your fuel cost properly
Fuel is usually the biggest line. Multiply the total kilometres by your car's real fuel use (litres per 100 km) and an expected price per litre. Use a fuel price app before you fill up: the ACCC notes that petrol prices in several capital cities move in regular cycles, so timing the fill-up can help. Tracking your fills during the year gives you your car's real cost per km.
Step 3: Book early, and know your dates
Accommodation along popular holiday routes books out over the Christmas and New Year period. Lock in overnight stops early, and check cancellation terms in case plans change. Leaving a day earlier or later than the crowd can also make the drive less stressful.
Step 4: Pack the esky, not the servo bag
A packed esky with sandwiches, fruit, snacks and water bottles saves money at every stop. Treat one meal on the road as part of the fun and budget for it, rather than buying something at every fuel stop.
Step 5: Get the car ready
A breakdown is the most expensive surprise on a road trip. Before you go, check tyres (including the spare), oil, coolant and wipers, or book a service if one is due. If your rego or roadside assistance renews over summer, make sure it's paid. Our car running costs calculator helps you plan for those yearly car bills.
Step 6: Save for it each pay
Add up your list, add a buffer, then divide by the number of pays until Christmas. Putting that amount into its own jar each pay means the trip is paid for before you pull out of the driveway. Fold it into your full Christmas budget so travel sits next to gifts and food.
Holiday BudgetPlan the trip, save for it each pay, and track spending on the road.See the app →
Car & RegoEvery fuel fill, toll, service and rego in one place, with your true cost per week and per km.See the app →Once you're there
Staying with family? Offer to bring a dish or cover one shop rather than an expensive gift. See our Christmas lunch on a budget plan for ideas, and the summer holidays budget checklist for the rest of the break.
FAQ
How do I budget for a Christmas road trip in Australia?
List every cost (fuel both ways, tolls, overnight stops, food, pet care, a car check and a buffer), add it up, then divide by the number of pays left before you leave and save that amount each pay.
How do I work out fuel cost for a road trip?
Multiply the total kilometres by your car's fuel use per 100 km, then by an expected price per litre. Check a fuel price app before filling up, as prices in several capitals move in cycles.
How can I save money on a family road trip?
Pack an esky, book overnight stops early, get the car checked before you go, plan fuel stops, and give the trip its own savings jar.
Should I service my car before a long drive?
If a service is due, it's worth doing before a long trip. At the very least, check tyres including the spare, oil, coolant and wipers.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.