Travel season can be expensive, to begin with, so when gas prices spike around the same time, you may feel doomed. It can be daunting to try and plan a trip when gas costs more than you can reasonably afford. How can you make travel plans happen when gas prices are soaring?
Have a Local Vacation
Summer travel doesn’t necessarily mean a faraway destination. When gas prices are soaring, consider staying close to home. A vacation to the city closest to yours can give you some variety, and still not cost too much. Cut your driving to a minimum in order to save big on your vacation.
Double Check Airplane Ticket Costs
One would assume that spiked gas prices would result in expensive airplane tickets. However, that is not always the case. Keep your eyes on the price of tickets as you still may be able to find good deals. In this case, it might make more sense to fly than to drive.
Save Money Elsewhere
If you simply must drive, and you have a long way to go, then cut the costs elsewhere. Look for a bargain where it is possible, such as hotel costs or eating arrangements. Don’t focus on what you cannot change, but on what you can.
Have a “Staycation”
It may be a newly-coined word, but the general idea of a staycation is a tradition that families have used for generations. Instead of traveling a long distance, or even driving out of town at all, stay at home and explore your city as though you were a tourist. Your city or area is sure to offer many exciting opportunities that you may not even know about.
What is your area famous for?
Do you have any great historical monuments nearby? What kind of scenery does your area offer? Is it known for its educational museums, exciting theme parks, or great shopping?
Perhaps you can choose one theme for each day of your staycation holiday. From water parks to great hiking trails, to unique restaurants… it’s more than likely the place you live has just as many interesting places to go as any other location. Grab a tour guide and pretend you are visiting your area for the first time. Make it your goal to learn something new about where you live.
Give Your Car a Tune-Up
Many things you might not be aware of can lessen a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Issues such as poor tire alignment can cause gas to burn more quickly. Even if it is a relatively small amount, it adds up over time. With proper maintenance, your vehicle will be more able to combat this. If your vehicle is your mode of transportation on this year’s vacation, take it in for a tune-up before leaving.
Don’t forget the details. Be aware of the small things such as keeping your tires filled. When the tires on your vehicle are deflated, it will cause fuel efficiency to decline. Fill them up and save what you can. This applies to many other areas of vehicle maintenance as well.
Going on vacation during a spike in gas prices can mean added expense, but it doesn’t have to. There are many things you can do instead of driving long distances, and ways you can minimize gas consumption if driving is your only choice. Take a look at these tips and find ideas on what you can do when high gas prices and your vacation collide.
