How to Budget for a Two-Week Self-Drive Vacation

Beyond the daily rental rate, budget for fuel, tolls, parking, and any optional insurance add-ons, which together can add up to more than the base rental cost. Researching average fuel prices for your destination ahead of time helps avoid a budgeting surprise.

Building a small buffer for unplanned costs — a parking fee you didn't anticipate, a toll road you didn't expect — keeps the trip from feeling financially stressful partway through.