Gas and Money-Saving Road Trip Tips

• Family Travel,
• Group Travel Tips

Over the past few years, gas prices have experienced significant fluctuations. After reaching multi-year highs in the first half of 2022, with the national average peaking at about $5 per gallon, prices have shown a general downward trend. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a continued decline in gas prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that retail prices for regular-grade gasoline will decrease to an average of about $3.09 per gallon in 2024.

So, is it time for a road trip? Maybe... Gas price trends are influenced by various factors, including global oil production, regional supply and demand, and geopolitical events. It's also noteworthy that prices tend to be higher on the West Coast, particularly in California, due to state taxes and environmental regulations.

Here are 5 apps and websites to help save money on gas on your next road trip:

• Upside: Upside offers up to $0.25 off per gallon on gas in select states and provides cash-back offers on groceries and at restaurants. Users can save by paying with a card and then uploading a receipt to receive cash back via PayPal or check​​.

• Waze: Known as a navigation app, Waze also helps users find the cheapest gas prices along their route. It includes features for setting preferred gas stations and types, and can direct users to stations offering "Waze-only" deals​​​​.

• Gas Guru: This app shows cheap gas prices from the Oil Price Information Service, ensuring up-to-date information. Users can save their favorite locations for easy access to the best prices near them or compare prices close to home, work, or other spots​​.

• AAA TripTik Travel Planner: This app not only helps you find gas stations with the best prices but also aids in planning road trips with up to 25 stops. Even non-members can use the trip planning and gas-finding features​​​​.

• GasBuddy: In addition to helping you find the cheapest gas prices near you, GasBuddy has a handy trip cost calculator. And, if you use their prepaid card, you can save up to $0.25 per gallon.

Each of these apps offer a range of features for finding the best gas prices, earning cash back, and planning fuel-efficient routes. By leveraging these tools, you can make more informed decisions and potentially save a significant amount of money on fuel expenses.

Also, consider these tips and strategies to save money on gas during road trips:

• Proper Tire Inflation: Keeping tires properly inflated can enhance fuel efficiency. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, can increase fuel consumption.
• Membership Clubs: Joining warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco can offer access to lower gas prices.
• Reduce Car Load: Lightening your vehicle by removing unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, can improve gas mileage.
• Fuel Efficiency Habits: Avoid aggressive driving (high speeds, accelerating and braking hard), excessive idling, and maintain steady speeds. For example, if you anticipate being stopped for several minutes, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
• Keep Windows Closed & Use AC Sparingly: Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy. Similarly, when the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
• Plan Your Route: Use trip planning tools to find the most fuel-efficient routes and to locate gas stations with the best prices along the way

January 6, 2024. Photo by Sergey Tarasov (Unsplash).

Permalink 🔗

Campfires and Tents - Best Camping Spots

• Adventure Travel,
• Family Travel,
• Friends Groups

Ok, it's January 1st and I'm already dreaming about escaping the city for long hikes and campfire-cooked grub when the temperatures get warmer and the days get longer...

Planning ahead for camping during the summer months is essential, especially if you're thinking about visiting a national park or popular campground. Here are a few websites that can help you find and reserve campgrounds:

• Recreation.gov: This is a one-stop resource for reserving campsites across various federal lands, including national parks, forests, and more. You can search for campgrounds by location, amenities, and availability.

• ReserveAmerica.com: This site specializes in campground reservations, including for state parks. ReserveAmerica.com allows users to search for campgrounds by state, park, or site type, and you can also check availability for specific dates.

• Campspot.com: Campspot is designed to make finding and booking private campgrounds and RV parks easy. The site offers a wide range of filters to help you find exactly what you're looking for, whether that's a pet-friendly site or campsites with Wi-Fi.

• Hipcamp.com: Hipcamp is great for finding unique and less crowded camping spots, including on private land, vineyards, and in national forests. Hipcamp allows users to filter search results by various camping options such as tent camping, RV parks, cabins, and even treehouses.

For inspiration, here are 10 amazing campgrounds for groups of friends and family:

• Yosemite National Park, California - Upper Pines Campground: Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, this campground offers easy access to famous landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. It's perfect for families looking for breathtaking scenery and a range of hiking trails from easy to challenging. Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and photography.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina - Cades Cove Campground: Cades Cove is known for its rich wildlife (including black bears and deer), and an 11-mile loop road that's great for biking. It's ideal for groups interested in both nature and the history of the Appalachian area. Activities: Biking, hiking, wildlife spotting, and historical tours.

• Acadia National Park, Maine - Blackwoods Campground: Nestled close to the rugged coastline, this campground provides easy access to the park's dense forests and rocky beaches. Families can enjoy the park's carriage roads and trails, as well as the stunning views from Cadillac Mountain. Activities: Hiking, tidepooling, kayaking, and stargazing.

• Glacier National Park, Montana - Apgar Campground: Located near Lake McDonald, Apgar is the largest campground in the park and offers services like a visitor center, shuttle services, and boat rentals. It's a great basecamp for exploring Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. Activities: Boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and guided tours.

• Olympic National Park, Washington - Kalaloch Campground: Perched on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch is perfect for families who love the beach and ocean activities. The campground provides access to several nearby trails and the famous Tree of Life. Activities: Beachcombing, tidepooling, hiking, and ranger-led programs.

• Joshua Tree National Park, California - Jumbo Rocks Campground: With its unique landscape filled with iconic Joshua trees and massive boulders, Jumbo Rocks offers an otherworldly experience. It's perfect for groups looking for challenging rock climbing and surreal desert landscapes to explore. Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and photography.

• Zion National Park, Utah - Watchman Campground: Situated near the park's South Entrance, this campground provides easy access to the park’s shuttle system and the scenic Virgin River. It's a prime spot for friends looking to tackle the famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, river trips, and biking.

• Arches National Park, Utah - Devils Garden Campground: Located deep within the park, this campground offers direct access to several arches and rock formations. The stargazing here is phenomenal, making it a great choice for friends interested in astronomy or simply enjoying the night sky. Activities: Hiking, photography, and guided night sky programs.

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - Moraine Park Campground: Set in a beautiful mountain valley, Moraine Park offers spectacular views and is a gateway to the park’s extensive trail system. It's ideal for friends seeking a mountain adventure with opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and horseback riding.

• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Madison Campground: Centrally located with access to the park’s main attractions, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This site is perfect for groups wanting to experience the full range of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. Activities: Wildlife watching, geyser viewing, hiking, and fishing.

Wherever you're planning to camp and enjoy the wonders of nature in 2024, here's to a year of adventure and exploration!

January 1, 2024

Permalink 🔗