If you’ve been reading the headlines lately, you’ve probably seen that the average price of a gallon of gas has climbed to $4.33, a record high. Gas prices are expected to rise even more this summer due to the increased demand for gas during vacation season. Because gas has become so expensive, many Americans are reconsidering their travel plans.
But you don’t have to let rising gas costs spoil your summer fun. You can still go on a road trip without blowing your budget. Here’s how I’m saving money on the road trips I have planned for this summer.
Stay Closer to Home
Because gas prices are high, now may not be the time for that cross-country road trip that’s on your bucket list. To save money, it’s worth considering destinations that are a bit closer to home. There’s probably a historical site or theme park within a few hours of your house that you haven’t visited yet. Take these rising gas costs as an opportunity to enjoy exploring your own neck of the woods.
I’m a homebody, so I prefer shorter day trips and weekend getaways. Because I’m staying close to home, I won’t have to spend as much money on gas and can splurge on some nicer meals and experiences while I’m on vacation. But if you have your heart set on a longer road trip, you can still make it happen by following the tips below.
Use GasBuddy to Find Cheap Gas
Whether you’re taking an extended road trip or staying closer to home, you can save on gas by using GasBuddy. It’s an app that helps you find the cheapest places to fill up along your road trip route.
You can save even more money if you sign up for GasBuddy’s free gas card. It works like a debit card and pulls funds from your linked bank account. Whenever you use it at the pump, you can save up to 25 cents per gallon. GasBuddy cards work at most gas stations nationwide, but the savings vary depending on where you fill up. Still, this card is a great way to save money, especially since signing up is free.
Sign Up For Fuel Rewards Programs
Did you know that many major gas stations including Exxon, BP, and Shell have fuel rewards programs? You don’t have to sign up for a certain credit card or pay anything to participate. All you have to do is register for a free account and start racking up discounts and rewards points, which you can redeem for free gas or convenience store merchandise. You can even sign up for multiple programs so you can earn rewards points during your road trip no matter which gas stations you stop at.
For even more savings, fuel rewards programs can be stacked with rewards credit cards that offer cash back or points on gas purchases. I plan to use fuel rewards memberships and a GasBuddy card to make my summer road trips this year more affordable.
Carpool With Friends
Trips are always more fun when you bring friends and family along. So instead of riding solo this summer, try carpooling with a few buddies to save some cash. Splitting the cost of gas and hotels three or four ways will make your road trip much more affordable. My older sister will be tagging along on one of my road trips to make memories and save some money.
Save in Other Areas
Although there are strategies you can use to save money on gas, the cost of fuel isn’t something you have much control over. But you can easily cut back on discretionary aspects of your trip like dining out and souvenir shopping.
Instead of eating at restaurants the whole trip, try getting food at the grocery store for some of your meals. When I’m on vacation, I usually grab a bag of bagels from the supermarket for breakfast and vegetarian deli meat to make a sandwich for lunch. This saves me a lot of money without making me feel deprived because I still get to eat dinner out and try new restaurants.
Wrapping Up
Are you going on any road trips this year? How are you planning to offset the higher gas costs so you don’t bust your travel budget? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.
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