Here are some things to consider and
some tips for traveling in the 2 dollar (or more) per gallon era.
Vacation Close to Home:
The less you drive the more money
you save. Chances are there are a number of attractions in your
area and possibly even campgrounds, some of which you have never
visited. By considering local recreational activities you can cut
your gas costs considerably.
Determine the Fuel Cost:
Know how much the gas will cost you
on the trip and be sure to bring extra money to pay for higher
fuel prices. One problem with fuel prices going up is that
everything will generally cost more. For people without a lot of
disposable income, that usually means that credit cards get used
more than usual. You can prevent that by having a good budget and
a clear understanding of how much money you have to spend. Visit http://www.homemoneyhelp.com
for help in setting up a budget.
Expect Insane Gas Prices
Elsewhere:
If you think gas prices are bad at
home, wait until you get out on the open road and have to fill up
at a gas station in between towns. Keep in mind that the gas price
you encounter in your neighborhood could be quite a bit less than
what you pay over the course of a road trip. So when determining
likely gas costs always add at least 10 cents to the cost per gallon
to account for variations in gas prices.
Choose Your Car Wisely:
Statistics show that most
households have numerous cars. If possible, drive the car that
gets the best gas mileage.
Plan Your Trip:
Make sure that you pick a direct
route favoring freeways over surface roads. Plot your trip out on
a map and be sure to bring the map. Getting lost is a big waste of
gas!
Avoid Rush Hour:
When planning your trip, factor in
not only traffic in your area but other cities you might be
driving through. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in some
other city's rush hour traffic. Stop and go traffic uses a lot of
gas.
Gas Saving Tips for Road Trips:
Here are some general gas saving
tips for travelers:
Maintain a constant speed.
Use overdrive whenever possible.
Check your tire pressure before
leaving.
Use the low setting on your AC.
Open windows can actually cause
so much drag at high speeds that they make your mileage worse.
Drive the speed limit.
Make sure your car is well
maintained.
Don't carry any unnecessary
cargo.
Note cheap gas prices at
stations as you drive to your destination so that you can go
to those gas stations on the way home.
