Spring Break Vacation on a Budget - Top 10 Tips on How to Save Gas Money

Saving Gas Money Doesn't Have to Mean Staying Home This Spring Break

Opher Ganel
Spring is in the air and it's time for a road trip to shake off those winter blues. Whether budget is tight or not, saving gas money during Spring Break vacation is just good common sense.

Top Tip #1: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Sharing is Good

Whether single or vacationing with your significant other, invite friends with you this Spring Break vacation. Sharing the ride will make the drive fun and cut your gas money 50% or more.

Top Tip #2: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Think Small

If you have a choice of cars, take the most gas efficient one that fits everyone. Driving a Prius instead of a Suburban will cut your gas money by almost 65%.

Top Tip #3: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Take a Load Off

Each 100 lbs extra increases gas money spent by 1-2%, especially with smaller cars1. That's another reason to lose weight besides looking better in a Speedo or bikini. Avoid roof-racks to reduce drag and save even more gas money.

Top Tip #4: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Prep your Ride

Before you go, change oil according to the car's specs, replace air filters as needed, and fix major issues. Replacing faulty oxygen sensors could save over 40% in gas money1. You'll also reduce the risk of getting stuck, losing precious Spring Break vacation time, and needing expensive towing. Properly inflate your tires and save up to 3%1 of your Spring Break vacation gas money.

Top Tip #5: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Plan Ahead

This Spring Break, plan your road trip, not just hotel and attractions. Pick your route and departure time to avoid traffic. Use online sites such as gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas along the way and at your destination.

Top Tip #6: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Slow Down

Most cars are efficient between 35 and 60 mph. At 75 mph your gas money increases as much as 35%1. You also run a higher risk of hitting a police speed trap, or worse, another car. Your Spring Break drive is part of your vacation. Budget enough time for the ride and avoid the stress and danger of speeding.

Top Tip #7: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Steady as She Goes

Aggressive driving is more than just dangerous. The rapid accelerations, savage brakes, and sudden turns increase the wear on your car and can kick your gas money upwards 50%1. If you have cruise control, use it - your gas money budget will thank you.

Top Tip #8: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Gas Grades Don't Affect your GPA, Just your Wallet

Your car is designed for a certain gas grade, usually regular. Filling up premium when it isn't needed just wastes your gas money - premium can cost 10% more than regular.

Top Tip #9: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Gas Money can be Rewarding

Many credit cards offer 1% cash-back rewards. Gas-rebate credit cards offer 2-5%. Use these to pay for gas, hotel, and meals to get rebates for gas money.

Top Tip #10: How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation - Be Flexible

If you hit traffic near meal-time, stop for a bite and let the road open up. Rather than frustrated, you'll arrive refreshed and ready for fun.

Bottom Line on How to Save Gas Money this Spring Break Vacation

Gas prices increase when more people drive, such as during the Spring Break vacation. Use the above top tips to minimize your gas money budget and concentrate on enjoying your vacation.

1 www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml

Published by Opher Ganel

Researcher, teacher, photographer, storyteller. Creativity is my escape from the day-to-day.  View profile

  • Taken together, these top 10 tips could cut your gas money expenses by over 90%.
  • Saving gas money on your Spring Break vacation starts before you leave.
  • Staying relaxed on your Spring Break vacation drive makes sense and will save you gas money.

6 Comments

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  • Laura Everly2/11/2011

    Good tips...nice job on this article....Laura Everly

  • Maggie OLeary4/26/2009

    These are great tips - thanks for sharing. :)

  • Randy Inman3/24/2009

    These tips are right on the money. Tip 10 really caught my eye, stop and go traffic sucks the gas right out of your tank.

  • samaira2/16/2009

    Good job done here.

  • Angel Sharum2/11/2009

    Great tips, Opher.

  • jcorn2/11/2009

    Much appreciated, as we are rationing our gas these days :)

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