With gas prices beginning their summertime climb, many travelers feel understandable trepidation about the cost of their summer excursions. Though you may have little control over the rising cost of fuel, you can alter other aspects of your travels in order to achieve a fabulously frugal summer vacation.
First of all, the easiest way to save on fuel costs is to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Check out these simple strategies:
Begin the mileage maximization before you ever leave home by ensuring that your vehicle is properly maintained. An improperly tuned engine burns more gas. Tires that are not fully inflated contribute to poor gas mileage. Be sure to check the headlights, fluids, brakes, wipers, and horn for proper function before you hit the road. Seeking emergency maintenance while on the road is often a costly venture. Instead, take care of routine maintenance yourself while still at home.
Drive in a fuel-efficient manner. This means maintaining a consistent speed as well as avoiding accelerating quickly or braking sharply. Use cruise control to your advantage. Gas mileage usually decreases significantly once you surpass a speed of 60 miles per hour.
Fuel up at the best price possible. Use websites such as gasbuddy.com (which provides gas prices for locations across the United States and Canada) or apps on your phone to obtain the best fuel price in a given area. But don’t drive out of your way just to save a few cents on gas. You’ll spend more on fuel during your drive to an out-of-the-way station.
Don’t leave your engine running when you’re parked for lunch or other stops.
Pack efficiently. Take what you need and will reasonably use in order to avoid emergency purchases on the road. However, try not to over pack because the heavier your vehicle is, the more gas it will require.
Another way to save on your gas bill is to limit the number of miles that you travel. This doesn’t mean that you have to cut down on your total vacation time. Just choose a destination that’s a little closer to home. Consider exploring an area of your home state that you’ve never seen. Ofen, marvelous surprises wait just beyond our own backyards.
