I'm planning a 1200-mile drive next month and gas prices have been killing me lately. Are there any apps that actually work well for finding the cheapest gas along your route, or should I just stick with GasBuddy? Also curious if warehouse clubs like Costco are worth the detour on long drives.
GasBuddy is solid and most people stick with it for a reason - it's got good coverage and real-time price updates from users. Apps like GetUpside and Waze also show gas prices along your route, so worth checking what's available in your area since some work better in certain regions. On a 1200-mile drive, warehouse club detours usually aren't worth it unless there's one legitimately on your path; you'd spend more time and gas getting there than you'd save, though if you pass right by one that's a different story.
The thing is, I've found that obsessing over gas prices during a long drive can actually cost you more time than you save - I once spent an extra 45 minutes hunting for a station that was 3 cents cheaper per gallon, which was pretty dumb in hindsight. What actually works better is checking prices before you leave and maybe once midway, then just filling up at decent stations along major highways rather than constantly detours.
That said, GetUpside is worth having since it gives you cashback on purchases you'd make anyway, and Waze does pull in price data if you're already using it for navigation. Costco membership pays for itself if you're a regular member - but for a one-off road trip? Only worth it if there's a location right on your route; otherwise you're adding miles and time to save maybe a quarter per gallon.
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