Tips for Saving Vacation Costs on the Road

Now that the summer travel season is upon us, it's time to think about piling the kids in the car and heading for some warm weather fun. But, with the economy still down and gas prices up, you may be worried about your vacation budget. Here are some ways you can save money and still have a great time.

Take some food and beverages with you. Put a cooler filled with water and other thirst-quenching beverages in the car with you. Bring some non-perishable snacks like granola bars or potato chips, too. That way everyone can keep hydrated and not hungry during the car ride. It saves you from a car full of grumpy passengers, cuts down on expensive restaurant meals, and allows you to reach your destination in less time.

Stick to a budget. If you haven't saved up for the vacation, it's not a good idea to run up your credit cards while on the trip. It may not seem like it at the time, but when you're paying big credit card bills each month for the rest of the year and beyond, it might keep you from having enough for the next vacation. Decide how much you can afford to spend, then live within that limit. If that means one less amusement park for the family, you can spend a day at the beach or at a nice park. Variety is the spice of life!

Save on gas. When you're travelling long distances by automobile, slow down a little. Even a small reduction in vehicle speed will mean rather substantial fuel savings. Driving 62 mph vs. 75 mph will reduce fuel consumption about 15 percent.

Drive efficiently. Don't be a lead-foot, and keep a steady rate of speed. If traffic is light, and you have it, use cruise control. This reduces your gas consumption, and also makes it easier on the driver, who doesn't need to constantly use the gas pedal or the brake. Anticipate traffic ahead and give yourself distance between the car ahead of you, so you can slow down or speed up without using the brake as much, increasing your fuel efficiency by as much as 20 percent.

Have good tires. Keep tire pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level. Over- or under-inflated tires will reduce your gas mileage, and will wear out your tires much faster. A single tire, underinflated by 2 pounds per sq. inch, increases fuel consumption 1 percent. Worn tires are more prone to blow-outs or flats, causing delays on your trip.

Use air conditioning sparingly. If it's not hot, roll down the windows or just have the fan on. Air conditioning is a drag on your engine and reduces fuel efficiency.

Service your car before the trip. Regular maintenance helps fuel economy, and adds to engine life. Dirty fuel filters, air filters and low fluid levels can make your engine labor unnecessarily, and could mean breakdowns in remote, unfamiliar areas.

Travel light. The heavier your car is weighted down, the more gas you will use. Pack as light as possible, and avoid dragging trailers behind your car if possible. This can reduce fuel efficiency by more than 25%.

By doing a little pre-trip planning, you can avoid a lot of problems while on the road. Happy motoring!