We just recently went on a cross-country trip from Texas to Michigan to visit family. We drove, which meant that our biggest expenses were gas and our hotel rooms (1 night each way).
However, there are ways to save on gas even while you're traveling on vacation, including:
Check the best states for getting gas {and then fill up in those states}
The price of gas varies widely from state to state for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is the amount of taxes each state collects on fuel. Check the AAA Fuel Gauge Report for the average price per gallon by state to determine where you might want to stop to fill up. For example, we knew we wanted to fill up in Missouri before hitting the Illinois state line where the price of gas would jump by quite a bit.
Use the Gas Buddy Trip Cost Calculator to plan your gas stops
You can enter your beginning and ending locations as well as your make and model of car on the Gas Buddy Trip Cost Calculator, and Gas Buddy will tell you how much you should expect to pay for gas on your trip as well as tell you where you should fill up to save the most money on gas. Based on its recommendations, it predicted we would save $25 on gas over the course of our trip.
Use the Gas Buddy app to find the cheapest filling stations nearby
If you need to fill up while you're traveling, you can check for the cheapest gas prices on your trip by using an app like Gas Buddy to find the best prices on gas near your location.
Get Cas Back on your Gas Purchases
There's a new app called Upside that you can join to get cash back on your gas purchases with every gas purchase. You'll get a 15 cent per gallon bonus the first time you fill up after you join and you can see how much cash back you'll earn at various gas stations around you.
Buy discounted Gas Gift Cards
Look for discounted gas gift cards online (or after rewards or loyalty programs). Any savings you can get on the gift card is direct savings on your fuel costs.
Get Fuel Rewards
Check for loyalty programs where you can save money per gallon at specific gas stations. For example, you can earn rewards at Shell with the Fuel Rewards Network to save per gallon. Or you can save up to 10 cents per gallon at a Walmart/Murphy Express/Exxon/Mobil gas station if you have a Walmart+ membership (or even get member pricing on gas at Sam's Club). If you pay with a credit card, you may also earn rewards like cash back on your purchase.
Use cruise control on the highway
When you use cruise control on the highway, you drive at an even speed, which reduces fuel consumption.
Service your car
Before you leave on your trip, get your car serviced and tuned up. Things like a dirty air filter, poor tire alignment, or underinflated tires can eat up your fuel more than if they were in perfect working order.
Drive Slower
Be sure to drive the speed limit (or even a little below). For every 5 mph reduction in speed, you save 7% on fuel consumption.
How do you save money on gas on a road trip?
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