In the past few years, the road trip has become an American favorite again. Driving is the most popular form of travel, according to the American Automobile Association, but rising gas prices may change how many travelers plan their journeys. These tips will help enhance your road trip experience.

Secure a Rental Car ASAP

With the onset of the pandemic, rental car companies significantly reduced their fleets, which has led to ongoing supply-chain issues. Consequently, this shortage is expected to continue, particularly in locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and Wyoming. In Alaska, rental rates start above $200 per day, while Glacier Park International Airport in Montana has daily rentals nearing $400. Therefore, it is vital to reserve a car well in advance and to set an alert through a discount tracker like AutoSlash to take advantage of any price drops.

Try Car Sharing

The rental-car shortage has created opportunities for car-sharing platforms. These services allow users to borrow cars for short periods, sometimes as brief as 30 minutes. For instance, Turo, a peer-to-peer service akin to Airbnb, experienced a remarkable surge in revenue, more than tripling in the first nine months of 2021. With over 160,000 vehicles available across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K, users can find various options, such as a Toyota Sienna for $47 a day or a Maserati for $180. However, a downside is that, unlike traditional rentals, car sharing does not typically allow for point-to-point driving, meaning you must return the vehicle to its original pick-up location.

Find Cheap Gas

Typically, fuel costs peak during late summer as demand rises, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. After experiencing an all-time national high in June, gas prices dipped slightly in July and August; however, it is forecasted that fuel will remain above $4 per gallon through September. To discover affordable places to fill up your tank, consider downloading an app like GasBuddy, which maps out nearby gas stations with current prices. Alternatively, searching for “gas” on Google Maps or using the Waze app can provide real-time information on gas prices, color-coded for convenience.

Consider an EV

Climate change concerns and high gas prices are prompting more consumers to consider electric vehicles (EVs). Although EV availability remains limited at rental locations, companies like Hertz are starting to offer Tesla Model 3s at several airport sites, including Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Furthermore, Turo features a selection of EVs representing approximately 7% of its fleet, totaling around 11,000 cars.

Tesla maintains a dedicated network of charging stations and a navigation system that can suggest charging locations. Additionally, non-Tesla vehicles utilize a universal plug compatible with public charging stations. Apps such as PlugShare and ChargeHub EV Map facilitate route planning and identify charging spots along the way. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a direct-current fast charger (DCFC) can recharge a car battery by 180 to 240 miles within an hour, whereas a slower Level 2 charger provides 10 to 20 miles in the same timeframe.

For those traveling with EVs, recharging overnight can significantly enhance convenience and mobility. Fortunately, an increasing number of hotel chains, including Hilton and Marriott, are offering charging amenities. The most extensive network of charging stations can be found in California, particularly along Highway 99, which traverses the Central Valley to the wine region of Lodi. Other states, such as Colorado and Oregon, are also expanding their charging infrastructures.