How Backpackers Can Travel the USA for Almost Free

Unlike Europe or Southeast Asia, the USA isn’t built for budget travel. It has limited public transport options, especially outside major cities. It also has expensive accommodation and faces the issue of long distances between destinations This makes traditional backpacking difficult, as well as costly.

Relocation deals solve all three problems at once.

You get:

• A vehicle to travel long distances

• A place to sleep

• A kitchen to cook your own meals

All for as little as $1/day 🤯

Rental companies need to move their vehicles between cities after they've been taken on one way trips. They could either hire staff or truckers to do this, or give customers access to the vehicle at a highly discounted rate. Imoova is the world's largest vehicle relocation marketplace, connecting travellers with over 200 rental companies. They offer cars, campervans, motorhomes & RV's - some of which are brand new straight from the factory floor. Best of all, you can often get some gas costs reimbursed too depending on the deal, making your budget roadtrip even cheaper!

Some of the most common (and scenic) routes include:

• Los Angeles - San Francisco

• San Francisco - Seattle

• Las Vegas - Denver

• Orlando - New York

At certain times of year you can even get relocations to Anchorage, making a bucket list Alaskan roadtrip accessible.

For a 5–7 day trip:

• Rental: $5–$7 total

• Booking fee: $50

• Fuel: $100–$200 (split between travellers)

• Food: $10–$20/day (self-catered)

• Campsites: often free or low-cost

Total: As low as $150–$300 per person

• More freedom than buses or trains

• Cheaper than flights + hostels

• Ability to reach national parks and remote areas

• Ideal for travelling with friends

• Book quickly, it's first come first serve and good deals go fast

• Be flexible with dates and locations

• Travel in groups to maximise savings

• Join Imoova's waitlist to be the first to be notified about deals in your desired location

Backpacking the USA doesn’t have to cost thousands. With the right strategy, you can experience iconic road trips for a fraction of the price. Browse Imoova's RV relocations here: