From the epic mountain views of the West Coast to the cozy seaside charm of the East Coast—Canadians couldn’t ask for a greater country to explore. And with some warm weather on our side, there’s no better time to plan the perfect road trip. Whether it's a long weekend or a much-needed vacation, a well-planned getaway can leave you feeling refreshed and full of wonder. But before you fill up the tank and the cooler, here are some handy tips to help you pull off the perfect road trip, without breaking the bank!

First things first, the secret to making the most of every dollar may already be in your wallet. With the PC Money^TM Account, you can earn interest to help you save for the trip. And with the PC® Mastercard®, you earn points every step along the way.

Map out your route. Your budget will thank you!

Before you embark on your big adventure, use online tools to map out your route and itinerary (check forums like Reddit to see what users are saying you can’t miss).

This helps you estimate fuel usage and other costs, like park admissions or tolls. Budgeting before your trip starts is the key to identifying potential savings opportunities and alleviating the stress of overspending.

🛒 Tip from your Tour Guide 🛒

Redeeming points¹ for road trip essentials is easy and convenient (so is stretching your budget) with over 4,500 locations across Canada.

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Treat yourself to snacks and points. It's a win-win!

Road trip snacks are a must-have, and just like a playlist, there’s an art to curating the perfect snack line up. Think sweet, savory, salty, sour, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous—spicy!

And while you’re in “treat yourself” mode, don’t forget to reward yourself with at least 1% back in PC Optimum™ points everywhere² you use your PC Financial® credit card.

You can also maximize savings by looking for bonus offers in your PC Financial® App. They’re refreshed every Thursday, just in time for a weekend getaway.

🍒 Tip from your Tour Guide 🍒

Make sure you’ve got enough tasty (and healthy doesn’t hurt) snacks to get you through the long hauls. But when you’re taking the scenic route, look for roadside stands selling local seasonal fruits and veggies!

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Fill up your tank (and your PC Optimum™ points balance)

One of the biggest expenses on any road trip is gas. There are some things you can do to maximize fuel efficiency, like maintaining a steady speed or avoiding unnecessary idling. But to really make the most out of every litre, make sure you reach for your PC Financial® credit card (opens in a new window) at the pump.

You earn up to 7¢ per litre in PC Optimum™ points every time you fill up at 2,400+ Esso™ and Mobil™ stations across Canada³. These points quickly add up, especially on a road trip, and can be redeemed¹ toward free groceries, gas, or other items at Loblaw banner stores².

🧭 Tip from your Tour Guide 🧭

When you're out exploring the open road, your car is bound to get a little dirty. Don’t forget, you can redeem points toward a free car wash at Esso™ and Mobil™ stations.

Get more mileage out of your everyday banking

If a spur-of-the-moment getaway isn’t in your budget right now, the secret to saving toward one may already be in your wallet. The PC Money™ Account earns our best everyday interest rate* on your savings with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no time commitment. (opens in a new window) In other words, no catches. When you’re ready to use your savings, you’re able to.

It also offers free everyday banking, including Interac e-Transfer® transactions. This means you can easily manage your finances on the go, transfer money to friends for shared expenses (like going halfsies on gas), and avoid unnecessary banking fees.

🎶 Tip from your Tour Guide 🎶

An unforgettable playlist isn't just a good way to pass time behind the wheel, you’ll also associate those songs with lifelong memories! Don’t forget, you earn points on recurring payments, including music streaming subscriptions)!

The right accommodations can make all the difference.

Finding the right place to stay at the right price can be tricky, especially during peak travel season. Luckily, there are tons of tools out there, like hotel loyalty programs or aggregator websites that compare prices for you, to help you dig up the best deals. Also, booking in advance can help you secure better rates and avoid last-minute price hikes.

If hotels aren't in your budget, consider alternative options like camping, glamping, or vacation rentals. Don’t forget to use your PC Financial® credit card to pay for them and earn even more points on those transactions (opens in a new window), too.

🎢 Tip from your Tour Guide 🎢

Okay, we told you to map everything out. But sometimes a little spontaneity helps keep things fresh. Look for fun attractions along the way!

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So, get ready to rediscover all the reasons we’re proud to call this incredible country ‘home’.

Just remember to map out your plans in detail, find creative ways to stick to your budget, and above all else—make the most of every moment!

Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!