We are trying to plan our summer vacation.  Thinking of flying somewhere cheap. But where? Or possibly driving to Niagara Falls and Toronto. While driving is definitely the least expensive way to go other than the “staycation” staying at home, which is also an option, money to tank up is getting more expensive.

The Department of Energy says gas in California rose to $3 a gallon while the rest of the country can see and increase of 37 cents a gallon. We are still paying less than we did last year at this time but we are also feeling the effects of the recession more this year than last. I have some ideas on how to save some money on fuel this summer and hopefully it will take some of the pinch out of the pump prices.

5 Gas Saving tips:

1. Track the best prices in your area or the area in which you will be travelling:  www.gasbuddy.com and www.gaspricewatch.com.

2. Plan your route.  Use a GPS or www.mapquest.com to get exact directions. Extra driving time means wasted gas. Try to avoid making left hand turns where you will spend more time idling your car. Plan to get exact directions. Extra driving time means wasted gas. Try to avoid making left hand turns where you will spend more time idling your car.

3. Have another family join you on your trip. More fun for the kids and you save the cost of fuel for one whole car and split the bills!

4. Check the air in your tire. The less air, the more difficult to drive.

5. Change your oil every 3,000 miles. A clean engine means fuel will be more efficient.