Family road trips can be unforgettable—but they can also be unpredictable when it comes to fuel costs. Between route changes, gas price spikes, and unplanned detours, the cost of filling up can throw off even the most carefully planned vacation budget. That’s why building a fuel budget in advance—with help from tools like Fluz, Upside, and GasBuddy—can make all the difference.

Here’s how to budget for a long road trip without the stress, using a mix of prepaid gift cards, real-time price tracking, and simple tools that help you plan every mile.

Step 1: Estimate Your Total Fuel Cost Before You Go

Start by mapping out your route and calculating the total mileage. You can use Google Maps or a trip planner to get the most accurate estimate.

Then divide that mileage by your car’s average miles per gallon (MPG). Multiply that by the average gas price in the areas you’ll be driving through—GasBuddy is the best tool for that.

Example:

• Total trip: 1,200 miles
• Vehicle MPG: 25
• Gallons needed: 48
• Average gas price: $3.75
• Estimated fuel cost: $180

To avoid surprises, round up and build in a small buffer for detours or fluctuating prices—about 10% extra.

Step 2: Buy Fluz Gift Cards Ahead of Time

Once you’ve estimated your fuel spend, use Fluz to purchase digital gift cards for gas stations along your route. Fluz partners with major brands like Chevron, Shell, Texaco, and Speedway. Every purchase earns instant cashback, helping you stretch your fuel budget further.

By preloading gift cards, you’ll:

• Set a hard spending limit for gas
• Avoid relying on credit cards at unfamiliar stations
• Automatically track fuel spending in the app

If you’re traveling with multiple drivers, share digital gift cards in advance so everyone sticks to the same fuel plan.

Step 3: Use GasBuddy to Plan Stops Based on Lowest Prices

Gas prices can vary dramatically by location—sometimes by 40¢ or more per gallon. With GasBuddy, you can see real-time fuel prices along your route and plan stops at the cheapest stations.

GasBuddy’s Trip Cost Calculator lets you plug in your vehicle, route, and starting point. It shows where to stop for the best fuel deals, helping you avoid overpriced highway exits or tourist-heavy areas.

Pro tip: Schedule fuel stops in rural or suburban areas just off the main highways—prices tend to be lower than in high-traffic zones.

Step 4: Add Upside for Bonus Cash at Select Stations

While Fluz helps you save on the purchase side, Upside lets you earn additional cashback when you fill up at participating locations. Just open the app, claim a nearby offer, and upload your receipt—or use a linked card if the feature is supported.

You can often stack an Upside deal on top of your Fluz gift card by uploading the receipt manually. This double-layered approach adds even more value, especially over a long trip with multiple refuels.

Step 5: Use a Simple Road Trip Fuel Worksheet

To stay organized, track each stop in a simple log:

• Date and location
• Gallons purchased
• Price per gallon
• Amount paid
• Gift card balance remaining (if using Fluz)
• Cashback earned (Fluz or Upside)

You can keep this in a notebook, spreadsheet, or notes app. It’s especially helpful for families or groups trying to split expenses or compare vehicle efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Fuel doesn’t have to be a stressful part of your road trip. By budgeting in advance, using Fluz for prepaid fuel, checking real-time prices with GasBuddy, and earning bonuses with Upside, you can keep your costs predictable and your trip focused on fun—not the fuel gauge.

Ready to turn your next road trip into a savings win? Download Fluz here and start planning smarter.