1. Campsites
Using campsites or BLM land is cheaper than staying at hotels especially with pets. As most campground/BLM land have little to no pet fee compared to hotels where pet fees will rack up pretty fast. Most campgrounds also provide free showers (great for when sleeping in your car).
2. Travel size
I would recommend just buying the full-size items/using what your and putting them in smaller containers if worried about space. You end up paying more if you are buying travel size and you’re going to need the full size for long trips.
3.Cooking
I would recommend cooking at the campsite as you will save money instead of eating out, you can cook over the fire in tin trays or you can get a griddle to cook most meals on. Meal prepping is also a good way to save money on food.
4.Gas
Make sure to be pulling off the highways and looking online for the cheapest gas. Gas most of the time is the thing you will be spending money on. You can also download apps that can help you find the cheapest gas near you and some even offering rewards ( like fetch you can scan any receipts and they will give you points to use towards gift card like visa gift cards)
5. Rewards
As gone over a little in the previous tip is to sign up for rewards like for Petco/petsmart as the offer money back to spend in the store and depending when you have signed up you can get a “free” bag of dry dog food after it gives you the average cost of your last few bags and that is the amount you can get off for your next purchase. Signing up will save you quite a bit of money over time (not only when on road trips but even when you are home)
6. Free attractions
Free attractions like parks and trails are a great way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air after being on the road for a while.