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Credit: baskyes

Gas prices are already up more than 60 cents a gallon from this time last year–a cost of close to $10 a tank extra. Many predict that the average gas price will be up to $4 by the height of the summer driving season, which can wreak havoc with your vacation plans. Here are some strategies to consider if the price of fuel is causing you to rethink your summer vacation.

• Join your community pool. A family vacation often means long days at a beach or a pool, if your town has a community pool, why not “vacation” there for a week with your kids?
• Fly or drive? If your vacation destination is a long way from home, it may actually be cheaper to fly. Yes, airline ticket prices have also gone up as a result of higher fuel costs, but if you’re driving a long distance you have to factor in overnight stays and food into your overall costs. Use the AAA trip price calculator to figure out how much you’ll need to spend on fuel.
• Spend your vacation at a great walking destination with good public transportation. In the west, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver all have good public transportation systems. In the east, Washington, DC, New York, Boston, Philadelphia or Montreal are great walking places with reliable public transportation. And Chicago, with the country’s second largest public transportation system, is another great place to visit. Caveat: If you’re planning on driving to any of these destinations, calculate how much you’ll spend on parking. Most hotels have garages, but they’ll cost you.


photo credit: glenn.batuyong

• Go camping. No matter where you live, there’s likely a state or national park within a comfortable driving distance. There are parks on the plains, in the mountains and by the shore that offer activities like hiking, spelunking, swimming or wildlife watching. And once you’re parked at your campground you’re there.
• How well do you know your own hometown? Consider spending your vacation time exploring those areas you’ve always meant to visit but never found the time for. Or take the family to the big city nearest you. Check with the city’s visitor and convention bureau to see available concerts and other events.
• Join forces with another family. Rent a van together and split the cost of gas. This is particularly ideal if the family has kids the same age as yours; the kids can pair up and entertain each other. And the adults can take turns driving.
• Drive straight through rather than breaking up the trip with overnight stays. Not always an option when traveling with small children, but if you’re going away with a friend or two you can drive in shifts.
• Look for deals on lodging and attractions. Many businesses in tourist areas like beach towns are lowering their prices or offering special deals to compensate for the high cost of fuel. They’re also offering incentives like gas cards.
• Stay at an all-inclusive resort. With all your needs taken care of, you won’t need to drive anywhere.
• Take a cruise. Another venue where all your needs are taken care of, a cruise offers accommodations, food, entertainment and visits to multiple destinations.
• Hit the beach during the off season. It’s still warm enough after Labor Day to enjoy the beach, plus many hotels lower their rates after peak season. And you won’t spend a lot of time in traffic on your way there.

Credit: blmurch

If you must drive to your destination, here are some things to consider:

• Don’t take the SUV. Sure it’s roomier, but it’s also a gas guzzler
• Open a credit card that gives rebates for gas purchases. Every time you make a purchase you get a percentage of that purchase in credit to use to buy gas.
• Drive at night. The roads are less congested, so you won’t waste gas in traffic. And it’s cooler so you can turn off the AC.
• Drive slower; cars use fuel more efficiently at 55 miles per hour.
• Maintain your car. Change the oil regularly, make sure your tires are pumped to the right level and change the air filter when needed. Proper maintenance ensures a more fuel efficient car.
• Avoid using the air conditioner whenever possible. Of course, this may not be possible in warmer climates. But you can help yourself out by parking in the shade and using one of those things that block your windshield and keep the sun away from your car.
• Turn off the car if you’re going to be idling more than half a minute.

Tags: Gas Prices | Saving Money | travel | vacations