While gas prices may be surging, there are ways to keep the cost of a road trip down. For example, keeping track of gas prices, driving smartly and slowly, taking the scenic route instead of the interstate (if possible) are just a few ways that you can save money on gas on a road trip. Even using loyalty programs like Petro Points, Shell Fuel Rewards and Esso Extra could end up saving you a ton of money in the end.

Here are more tips on how to keep saving money on gas this summer. Or, if you’re looking for reasons to hit the road this summer, keep reading.

1. Road Trips Don’t Involve Airport Security Lines or Early Morning Flights

If you’ve been paying attention to travel lately, you’ll know that Toronto Pearson Airport and other Canadian airports are currently experiencing long delays and extensive security lines. To avoid travel delays, it may be a good idea to skip the airports, airlines and late-night or early-morning flights altogether. On a road trip, your trip begins as soon as you press hit the road.

2. Road Trips May Be Easier On Your Budget

As long as you plan ahead of time, going on a road trip can be budget-friendly. Little things like planning and finding cheap deals can go a long way and allow you to stay in a low-cost hotel, motel, hostel or camping ground. Even planning your meals ahead of time and bringing healthy meals along with you will keep you feeling strong and ready to explore. Many cities also have free walking tours and days that public activities and recreational activities are free, in which you can visit museums, galleries and even botanical gardens for free.

3. Road Trips Are A Chance To Get Away

Just like a vacation to the Bahamas, a road trip may be what you need to rediscover what is important to you, reprioritize your goals, and just escape from the daily “hustle and bustle”. Everyday life can become routine if you don’t steal moments for yourself and do things that make you appreciate the beauty of life, friendship, family and the other important aspects of life. Travel—and more specifically, road trips—can provide you with an opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate on yourself and your life and discover areas where things can improve.

4. You Can Have A Flexible Schedule On A Road Trip

Since you control transportation, you don’t have to worry about catching a flight or potentially missing a bus ride to your chosen destination. By and large, road trips are much more flexible than traditional travel. Also, you can pull over and stop to take some photos or explore a city or neighbourhood for as long as you like.

5. You Can Pack More Luggage

While most airports have baggage restrictions and weight limits for flights, on a road trip you can bring as much luggage as your car will fit. That means you can bring enough books to keep you entertained or bring along bulky items—as long as they fit comfortably in your vehicle.

large van on the side of the road

6. Get To Know Your Companions

There’s no better time or way to get to know someone than on a road trip. From playing games like 20 Questions and I Spy, or even just having regular heart-to-heart conversations with your friends or family, you’ll get to know your companions much better than you would have otherwise. If you don’t know your companions really well, a road trip can be challenging, so make sure to bring along a pair of headphones and an audiobook or podcast to help keep you entertained throughout the whole ride. Even if you do get along really well with your companion(s), you’ll want to schedule time for you to relax and unwind alone as well. Or, if you’re travelling solo, a road trip can be the best opportunity to get to know yourself, meditate, and truly learn to enjoy your own company.

If you’re convinced that you need to take a road trip ASAP, here is a list of road trips in Canada that you might want to start planning for.

1. Calgary to Lake Louise, Alberta

Both Calgary and Lake Louise are must-visits, with gorgeous sights and attractions. Lake Louise in particular is known for its light blue water (thanks to the nearby mountains and their sediment). You’ll also want to bring your bathing suit for this one, so you can visit the Banff hot springs (Fairmont Hot Springs, for example) and take a swim.

lake louise alberta light blue lake and rocks with mountain background

2. Edmonton to Jasper, Alberta

This road trip will have you ooo-ing and ahh-ing at the waterfalls, glaciers and lakes, so be sure to bring along your camera and plan to visit the many attractions Jasper has to offer. Also, hiking is encouraged so don’t forget those hiking boots!

large waterfall with rocks sticking out and mountains in the background

3. Vancouver to Tofino, British Columbia

If you don’t live in the area you may have to fly into Vancouver airport and rent a car in order to take this trip. Even so, it’s completely worth it to see the temperate rainforests and the rocky mountains and lakes.

mountains covered by fog4. The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Beaches and coastal views? Yes please. You’ll adore having a look at the breathtakingly gorgeous cliffs and more while visiting Cape Breton.

nova scotia light house

5. Pelee Island, Ontario

From the heritage centre to the winery, Ontario’s Pelee Island has no shortage of amazing sights and fun destinations to visit.

ontario lake

All in all, there are ways you and your loved ones can continue to enjoy road trips even despite the surging gas prices. Prior to heading out, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done adequate planning and cut corners where you can.