If you like the outdoors and want the adventure of a lifetime, overlanding is it! Whether you’re doing it alone or with your family or friends, this travel experience is one you’ll never forget. Your journey will be unexpected, but you have some control over budgeting for it, so getting this part right will have you better prepared for venturing.
Overlanding is expensive, but with planning, you can make it fit your budget. The length of your journey and vehicle choice plays a significant part in the cost. You can reduce costs if you already have the necessary gear, and finding the best deals on campsites and fuel will help too.
In this article, I’ll share what you can expect to pay for an overland journey, how to budget for it, and list the ways you can save money to ensure your trip doesn’t break the bank.
Overlanding for Big and Small Budgets
Wondering if overlanding is expensive? It doesn’t really matter! You can make it as costly or budget-friendly as you like. While it’s more expensive when you’re just starting out, if you have most of the gear on hand, you’ll only have to cover the cost of your journey.
Before we get to that, though, let’s differentiate between off-roading and overlanding.
Overlanding vs. Off-Roading: The Main Difference
Confusion about the difference between overlanding and off-roading with a tent is common. Here’s a quick summary to help you understand:
- Overlanding: If you love focusing on the journey more than the destination, overlanding is for you! This way of traveling ensures you get the raw experience of locations less seen by tourists while being completely reliant on your vehicle. You can journey on paved and unpaved roads to any remote destination.
- Off-roading: Natural, rugged terrains that pump your adrenaline will ensure an off-road adventure. Off-roading is done on unsurfaced roads that provide paths for climbing, snow and ice, or even mud. This adventure is perfect if you like a rush, followed by camping.
How Much Does It Typically Cost? Gas, Gear, Fees, Repairs?
On average, overlanding for the first time can cost between $18,000 and $25,000. Once you have the necessary gear, your cost-per-trip will reduce with variable factors like travel distance.
Here’s what my budget included for my first overland trip:
Since I already had the right vehicle for overlanding, I excluded its cost from my plan. You might prefer different accommodation, and some other costs may feel unnecessary. I suggest giving your journey a good thought by using my list of expenses as a starting point!
Gas for the Trip and Some
How much fuel you’ll need depends on the length of your journey, sightseeing excursions, and vehicle specifics. The weight of your luggage, the type of roads you’re traveling on, weather conditions, and the areas you’re visiting will influence the budget you need to set aside for this expense. Always add some extra dollars to your fuel budget.
Accommodation and Overnight Passes
I prefer sleeping in my rooftop tent when overlanding. (Check out my picks for the best rooftop tents if you’re looking to invest in one.) Most parks sell overnight passes, but you can pick free parking spots if your journey has some along the way. Paying for accommodation will add costs to your trip. If you plan on overlanding again, I suggest investing in a quality tent.
Necessary Gear for Overlanding
High-quality gear will make overlanding easier. You won’t always have access to the basics in remote locations. You should have most, if not everything you’ll need in or on your vehicle.
My favorite gear includes:
- A first-aid kit
- Solar-powered lights with batteries for backup
- A complete tool kit suitable for my vehicle
Camping gear and kitchen and bathroom essentials should be on your list too.
Overlanding Insurance and Miscellaneous
Getting insurance for your trip can help when you’re in a tight spot. Most will cover vehicle damage, breakdowns, and loss. You should remember to budget for miscellaneous expenses like laundry, a car wash, and extra toiletries. How long you’ll travel will have an impact on these expenses.
How Can I Cut Costs While Overlanding?
You can cut the costs of overlanding by living off the basics. If luxury isn’t a priority, your trip can be relatively cheap. With proper planning, you’ll still get to see the sights without breaking the bank!
If you prep for meals, you can take only what you’ll really need. Ditching paid sights and parks and exploring remote ones without entrance fees will save you a couple of dollars per person. You should also keep your vehicle maintenance up to date and do any repairs before you start your journey. Having trustworthy wheels will minimize unforeseen expenses.
Another way to save is by taking kitchen or bathroom basics you already have at home on your trip instead of buying travel necessities. I also suggest putting money aside for souvenirs so you don’t splurge.
I also recommend reading my in-depth guide for overlanding on a budget for all of my tips and tricks to reducing the cost to overlanding.
Is Overlanding Expensive? My Verdict!
Overlanding can be expensive, but the more you do it, the more you’ll save! Once you have your gear, route planning skills, and some on-the-road experience, you’ll find this way of traveling inexpensive, adventurous, and freeing.
In the end, overlanding is what you make of it. You’ll find what works best for you and adjust as needed. I’ve learned a lot since my first trip and keep improving when planning my next. One thing I can guarantee is that my most recent journey cost less than my first few.
Before Hitting the Road
If you want to overland on a budget, you need to plan properly. Proper planning can ensure the journey is magical. Overlanding doesn’t need to be expensive, and you can make each trip more cost-effective than the last. Planning meals, having the right vehicle, and mapping your route can set you up for success.
You can also look for pre-planned overland tours from travel agencies. They typically have complete lists of what you’ll need, where you’ll go, and how much it’ll cost. Joining one of their tours is a good idea if you’re overlanding for the first time.