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Budget-conscious Costco members can optimize their road trip expenses with this smart money-saving trick.

Costco's low-priced fuel often goes unutilized by its members during extended journeys, neglecting a practical financial strategy for road travels.

Savvy Costco members can utilize this travel-budgeting trick for their upcoming road journeys
Savvy Costco members can utilize this travel-budgeting trick for their upcoming road journeys

Budget-conscious Costco members can optimize their road trip expenses with this smart money-saving trick.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the United States, blending breathtaking landscapes and the convenience of Costco's membership-based warehouse stores. Here are some top scenic road trips that cater to both adventure and practicality.

The Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC)

Stretching nearly 470 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Small towns like Asheville and Boone offer picturesque stops along the way. Conveniently, Asheville and Roanoke, located near the Parkway corridors, have Costco warehouses for restocking during your trip.

Route 66, California

Iconic and legendary, Route 66 takes you from the Mojave Desert to Santa Monica, offering desert and coastline views. Costco locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and near Inland Empire (e.g., San Bernardino) provide opportunities for resupplying, dining, or quick stops during your journey.

US Highway 101 (CA to OR)

This 185-mile coastal drive from Arcata, CA to Bandon, OR, boasts stunning coastal cliffs, redwoods, and beaches. Costco stores can be found in Arcata, Eureka (CA), and larger towns like Coos Bay, OR just off the route, making it easy to grab essentials during your trip.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Connecting Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Scenic Byway 12 showcases striking red rock landscapes. Although Costco access is limited, cities like Salt Lake City (about 3+ hours away) or St. George, UT (somewhat distant) offer warehouses for planned stops.

Cascade Loop, Washington

The 440-mile Cascade Loop offers mountain passes, Puget Sound views, and alpine lakes. Costco stores in Seattle, Everett, and other Puget Sound region cities on/near the loop provide convenient stops for groceries, gear, or fuel without detouring too far off course.

Planning a Costco road trip on these routes allows you to enjoy iconic American landscapes while conveniently stopping for groceries, gear, or fuel at familiar warehouse stores. Don't forget to download offline media for entertainment during road trips when cell service drops, and consider a phone stand on the dash for ease during your journey.

For non-Costco members, a membership could provide potential savings in gas throughout the year. Fuel at Costco is often 20 cents per gallon below the market average, making it cost-effective for road trips. Many Americans prefer road trips over air travel due to freedom and spontaneity.

The iconic hot dog and soda at Costco cost $1.50 and have remained unchanged in price since 1985. Costco membership offers affordable gas prices and snacks for road trips, making it an attractive option for travellers.

Costco's locations along the Historic Route 66 (from Chicago to Los Angeles) can be beneficial for road trippers, with St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and other locations offering warehouses for stops. The U.S. is renowned for its scenic road trips, and with over 630 stores in America and 870 worldwide, Costco provides numerous advantages for road trippers, including potential savings in gas and snacks, convenient locations, and practical amenities like bathrooms.

The $65 annual membership fee grants access to a variety of products and services, making it a worthwhile investment for your next road trip adventure.

  1. On the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, travelers can stop at Costco warehouses in Asheville and Roanoke for restocking during their trip.
  2. Along Route 66 in California, Costco locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and near Inland Empire (San Bernardino) offer opportunities for resupplying, dining, or quick stops during the journey.
  3. While traveling the US Highway 101 from Arcata, CA to Bandon, OR, Costco stores in Arcata, Eureka (CA), and Coos Bay, OR provide chances to grab essentials during the trip.

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