🚐 Saving Money on the Road: Smart Motorhome & Campervan Travel Tips (2026 Guide) – Save Money Motorhome Travel UK
Let’s be honest—fuel prices are rising again, and it’s something every motorhome and campervan owner is feeling right now. With global tensions involving countries like the United States and Iran impacting oil markets, prices at the pump have crept back up.
But here’s the reality…
👉 Vanlife is still one of the most cost-effective ways to travel—if you do it smart.
And importantly… we’ve actually seen worse.
For those looking to save money motorhome travel UK, planning your trips wisely can make a significant difference.
⛽ Fuel Prices: 2022 vs Today (Keeping It Real)
Right now:
- Diesel is ranging from around 164.9p up to 188p per litre depending on where you are
- Petrol is slightly lower, but still fluctuating and rising
And yes—it’s noticeable when filling up a motorhome.
But rewind to 2022:
- Petrol peaked at around 191p per litre
- Diesel reached close to 199p per litre
👉 And despite that… travel BOOMED.
Campsites were full, European trips were everywhere, and vanlife surged in popularity.
💡 What This Means for You
Even though prices feel high:
- We’re still generally at or below 2022 peak levels
- People didn’t stop travelling then—and they won’t now
👉 The difference is how you travel.
🚐 Real Ways to Save Money on the Road
These are proper, tried-and-tested tips—not theory.
🐢 1. Slow Down = Instant Fuel Savings
Driving at 55–60mph instead of pushing 70mph+ can dramatically improve fuel efficiency.
- Less drag
- Better MPG
- More relaxed driving
👉 It’s one of the easiest wins.
📍 2. Shop Around for Fuel
Fuel prices vary massively—even within a few miles.
- Use fuel comparison apps/websites
- Head to supermarkets where possible
- Avoid motorway services
👉 You can easily save £10–£20 per fill just by planning ahead.
🛒 3. Use Costco for Cheaper Fuel
If you’ve got access to Costco, it’s a no-brainer:
- Often significantly cheaper per litre
- Consistent pricing
- Ideal for regular travellers
👉 Even occasional use can save you a decent amount over the year.
🔥 4. LPG Users – Use myLPG
If you run LPG (underslung or refillable bottles), this app is essential.
- Shows cheapest LPG stations nearby
- Helps avoid expensive emergency fills
💡 Top tip: Don’t wait until empty.
If you see a good price—stick £10 in.
🔄 5. Top Up Little & Often
This is a habit that saves money long-term.
- Don’t run fuel or gas to empty
- Take advantage of cheaper locations
- Avoid being forced into high prices
🏕️ 6. Stay Smarter: CL Sites & Van Club Rallies
Accommodation is where you can really cut costs.
Instead of expensive campsites:
- Use Certified Location (CL) sites
- Join Van Club rallies & events
You’ll get:
- Lower nightly rates
- Great facilities
- A proper social atmosphere
👉 Even non-members can benefit from CL sites, which are often far better value than large commercial parks.
🍳 7. Cook More, Spend Less
Eating out adds up quickly.
With a motorhome:
- You’ve got your kitchen with you
- Supermarket food is far cheaper
- Even just cooking breakfast & lunch saves a fortune
👉 Easily save £30–£50 per day.
🧭 8. Plan Routes (But Stay Flexible)
- Avoid stop-start city driving
- Reduce unnecessary detours
- Aim for smoother journeys
👉 Better routes = better fuel efficiency.
🔌 9. Reduce Hook-Up Dependency
Electric hook-up is great—but not always needed.
- Use solar where possible
- Mix in non-electric pitches
- Stay flexible
👉 Opens up cheaper places to stay.
⚖️ 10. Travel Lighter
Weight impacts fuel more than people realise.
- Remove what you don’t need
- Travel smarter, not heavier
👉 Every little helps over long journeys.
💬 Final Thoughts from The Van Club
Yes—fuel prices are up again.
But let’s keep it real:
👉 Fuel was higher in 2022, and people travelled more than ever.
The difference now is awareness.
People are:
- Driving smarter
- Planning better
- Using apps and discounts
- Choosing better places to stay
And that’s where vanlife still wins.
🚐 Travel More, Spend Less – The Van Club Way
At The Van Club, we’re here to make vanlife:
- More affordable
- More social
- Better value
From:
- Our rallies and events
- Our growing network of CL sites
- Exclusive member benefits and discounts
👉 You don’t need to spend more—you just need to travel smarter.
Because the best trips aren’t the most expensive ones… they’re the ones you actually take.