NL
A road trip through the Benelux and France doesn’t have to be expensive; with careful planning, a budget road trip and saving on costs is surprisingly easy. The key is to make smart choices before you set off and along the way, from fuel to overnight stays. Curious how you can save hundreds of euros without compromising on the travel experience? Read on and discover the most practical tips.
Managing transport costs smartly
The biggest expense during a road trip is often the car itself. Fuel, tolls and parking can put serious pressure on your budget. Fortunately, with a little preparation there are significant savings to be made in each of these areas.
Fuel: refuelling like a strategist
Fuel prices vary from country to country, region to region and even between petrol stations. An efficient driving style, where you accelerate gently and choose the right gear, immediately reduces consumption. It also pays to compare prices. Use apps such as Waze or dedicated fuel apps to find the cheapest station nearby. Unmanned discount stations away from the motorway are almost always cheaper. Plan your fuel stops strategically: if you’re about to cross the border into a country with higher fuel duties, such as from Belgium to the Netherlands, fill up your tank beforehand.
Toll roads: the art of avoiding them
French toll roads are comfortable and fast, but also take a big bite out of your wallet. If you have the time, you can avoid these costs entirely. Set your satnav, such as Google Maps or Waze, to ‘avoid toll roads’. The route will then take you along national and departmental roads. This often takes more time, but it gives you a much richer impression of the landscape and the villages you would otherwise just speed past. It’s a trade-off between time and money. Sometimes a short stretch of toll road can prevent a major detour. Analyse your route in advance to find the best balance.
Parking: avoid unnecessary expenses
Parking costs can quickly add up, especially in cities. A good strategy is to park the car outside the centre and cover the last stretch by public transport. Many cities offer Park + Ride (P+R) locations with a low daily rate, often including a public transport ticket to the centre. Search online in advance for free parking zones just outside paid areas. This requires a short walk, but can easily save ten to thirty euros a day.
‘ Expensive hotels aren’t necessary to get a good night’s sleep. ’
Overnight stays on a tight budget
Next to car costs, accommodation is a defining factor in your travel budget. Expensive hotels aren’t necessary to get a good night’s rest. There are plenty of affordable and flexible alternatives that fit perfectly with the freedom of a road trip.
Campsites and budget-friendly alternatives
Camping is one of the cheapest ways to spend the night. Especially in France, the range of campsites is huge, from simple municipal sites (camping municipal) to larger parks. Prices are often considerably lower than those of a hotel. If you travel outside the high season (July–August), you benefit from lower prices and greater availability. Other options include:
- Hostels: Especially in and around cities, hostels offer a bed for a fraction of the price of a hotel.
- Private rentals: Look for rooms or small apartments just outside the main tourist hotspots.
- Nature campsites: In the Netherlands and Belgium, there are special sites for those who love peace and simplicity, often at a very reasonable rate.
Plan ahead but stay flexible
Although a road trip is all about flexibility, it’s wise to book your overnight stops a few days in advance during the high season. This prevents you from having to search for an affordable place after a long day of driving and ending up in an expensive option out of sheer necessity. Apps for booking campsites or hostels can help with this. By searching just outside the most popular areas, you’ll often find cheaper and quieter spots.
Food, drinks and activities without the high price tag
Your day-to-day spending on food, drinks and entertainment largely determines how successful your budget road trip will be. Eating out all the time is the quickest way to overshoot your budget. Shopping smartly and opting for free activities makes a world of difference.
Local supermarkets and markets are your best friends
Make a habit of preparing your own meals. Visit local supermarkets and markets for fresh and affordable products. A French baguette with cheese and ham from Carrefour or a local farmers’ market is cheap and gives you an authentic experience. Take a cool box in the car to keep your groceries fresh. For a quick and affordable meal, the boulangerie is ideal for a filled sandwich or the traiteur for a dish of the day.
Choose free and low-cost activities
A successful road trip is about the experience, not about expensive tickets. There are countless activities that cost little or nothing. Think of walking through the historic streets of a city, going for a bike ride in nature, or having a picnic in a park. Many museums offer free entry on certain days of the month. Search online for ‘free activities [city name]’ and you’ll discover a surprising number of options. The most beautiful views and best memories are often free.
A well-planned road trip doesn’t have to break the bank. On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find many more articles about planning the perfect route, packing lists for campers and handy overviews of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Discover how to travel smarter, more consciously and with richer experiences.
Frequently asked questions
To effectively save on fuel and toll costs during a road trip, it’s advisable to drive efficiently and look for discounted petrol stations. In addition, consider alternative means of transport in cities, such as public transport, free ferries or hire bikes, to avoid parking charges and fines. Park your car outside the city centre and continue your journey by bike or public transport. Use navigation apps such as Waze to keep an eye on speed limits and avoid potentially expensive fines.
For road trippers looking for budget-friendly yet comfortable accommodation, campsites and holiday parks are good options, with prices starting at around €49 per night. In addition, houseboats or hostels outside the city centre can be an affordable alternative, ranging from €50–€75 per night. For the best prices, it’s recommended to book 2–3 months in advance, especially during the peak season (June–August). Bear in mind that from January 2026 VAT on campsites and holiday parks will increase, which will push prices up.
To keep the cost of food and drink low on the road without compromising on quality, it’s best to prepare meals using products from supermarkets or local markets. Look for street food at, for example, food halls or use the TooGoodToGo app for surplus meals. Falafel places and bakeries often offer meals for under €10. You could also consider local markets such as the Albert Cuyp market for budget-friendly options and fresh produce.
You can find free or low-cost experiences by opting for canal-side walks, a visit to the Vondelpark, the NDSM Wharf for street art, or the OBA roof terrace. Free ferries are also an option, and some museums offer free entry on specific days. In addition, hiring a bike in cities can save you parking costs and fines.
To avoid unexpected costs and keep track of your budget during a road trip in the Netherlands, there are several preparations and tools you can use. Firstly, a detailed budget calculator such as travelcostcalculator.org helps you estimate your daily expenses for accommodation, food, transport and activities. In addition, it’s essential to book early, especially for accommodation, and to opt for budget-friendly options such as campsites or hostels, and to prepare your own meals using groceries from supermarkets or local markets. You can further save on transport by driving efficiently, refuelling at discount stations and using bikes or public transport in cities, with apps such as Waze helping you to avoid fines.