Tips for Saving on Gas and Money This Summer

With summer traveling coming up soon, the gas prices are inching up higher and higher. To help save gas money this traveling season, without having to sacrifice travel and other summer necessities, here are a few tips:

Keep your car in good shape. Experts believe that a car's condition is one of the main factors in how quickly the vehicle uses up fuel. If your car's tires are not at the optimal inflation level, you're likely to lose some gas mileage. Make sure that you get your car checked out by a reputable mechanic, preferably someone that comes highly recommended by someone you know.

Take Greyhound to travel

While going a long distance costs a pretty penny, if you are traveling to a close-by state, you may be able to save a bundle by taking the Greyhound bus. Prices can rage from as cheap as $12 one way, and sometimes much cheaper. You'll save a lot on gas and get a chance to gather your thoughts as well as catch up on reading or work, instead of worrying about your gas mileage. When traveling by Greyhound try to get the best deal, and be flexible with your schedule.

Pull out the pennies

Many people have change hidden all throughout their house. You can find loose coins in pants pockets, couches, the washer and dryer, behind bookcases, in car compartments, etc. (There was one case in which a friend of the author, while packing up to move, found over $100 in change in one room.) To make the most of the change you find, go to the bank and ask for penny, nickel, dime, and quarter paper rolls. Count out the change and put them in the rolls. You can use them to pay for your gas, or you can change the rolls at the bank for paper money to use instead.

Walk

If your destination is only a few miles away, strap on a light backpack, take out your iPod or CD player, and hike it. Not only is walking good for your health, but you will have the chance to clear your head. It may take a little longer to to to where you're going, but you will certainly save on gas. In New York, most people don't drive due to the frequent traffic jams. So walking, aside from the subway system, is the most popular mode of travel.

Take Public Transportation

While public buses aren't the most fun way to travel, especially in the cities, they can save you money on travel. Subways and rails are also good. They're faster and more convenient, especially if you live in an area with stops close to you and close to where you are going.

Car Pool

By car pooling you can save money on gas as well. Switch off with your friends or work companions, so that you are not always the one driving. And, if you like, you can require a dollar or two for gas money from those you are giving a lift. Car pooling, in some states, also allows you to take the special car pool lane, which will get you to your destination faster. Because of the steep fines for using the lane illegally, the car pool lane will often be empty or moving swiftly while the rest of highway traffic is clogged.

Whatever you do, try to make it work for you. Saving money on gas doesn't mean that you have to give up your morning coffee-it just means that you have to take care of your resources and frugally use what is available.

* Another tip: Try the Google search engine to find more energy saving tips!