It's no secret that gas prices are surging heading into the peak of spring break travel season.
But higher costs at the pump don't have to derail your dream road trip.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is 3.842 as of March 18, up nearly $1 from one month ago when it was $2.923 prior to the start of the Iran war.
The figure is also up significantly from this time a year ago, when the national average clocked in at $3.078.
Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to mitigate these higher costs so you don't have to blow your budget at the gas station.
Ensuring your tires are properly inflated and utilizing cruise control on open roads and highways are great ways to improve your gas mileage, but a long road trip guarantees you'll be stopping to fill up more than once.
That's where signing up for rewards programs with popular gas stations and travel stops can help cut down your costs at the pump. For example, my Wawa Rewards account allows me to save up to $0.30 per gallon when I've earned enough points through in-store purchases.
For road trippers, this is the way to go since you can put those snack and drink purchases to work when you inevitably stop to use the restroom and fuel up for the next leg of your trip.
Pumping gas at gas pump. (Photo Credit: manusapon / Adobe Stock)
There are also popular gas apps you can download, such as Upside and GasBuddy, that can pay you back for filling up your tank.
There's even the option of renting a more fuel-efficient vehicle and putting the miles, wear and tear on it rather than your daily driver.
Whether you're driving solo or road tripping as a couple, family or group, there are a handful of dos and don'ts to follow to keep your stress levels down and get the most out of your journey.
It's important to remember that gas prices are out of your control. But taking the simple steps to ensure your vehicle is operating at peak fuel efficiency and getting cash, loyalty points or savings back in return for each pit stop are things you can control and no-brainers heading into peak spring break travel season.
Road trips continue to be an excellent alternative to air travel, especially as inclement weather and TSA staffing shortages prompted by the partial government shutdown create misery at airports nationwide.
Don't let sticker shock at the gas pump stop you from an unforgettable travel experience this season.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
