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People are traveling and taking vacations this summer inspite of the shaky economy. Many people are taking shorter vacations closer to home than usual, but Americans are traveling this summer. Travel plans can be enhanced by employing some cost effective and personal safety tips.

When You Travel By Auto

Taking a weekend or close to home mini-vacation is more affordable these days and here are some summer travel tips everyone should know when you travel by car:

1. Check your tires, make sure the tread is good and air pressure is correct for summer heat.
2. Check all fluids, especially your brake fluid, coolant, battery and air conditioner.
3. Pack your car 'gently' in other words quit taking so many things you really do not need-learn to travel light.
4. Prepare an Emergency Road Trip Kit: with water, road flares, high protein food bars and dried fruit, a first aid kit and emergency tool kit.
5. Buy a GPS system and do not worry about maps.
6. Make sure you have your charger for the cell phone.
7. Always carry bottled water and a cooler during the summer.
8. Save gas and money, drive the speed limit or even better take the scenic routes where speed is not the issue-the vacation is a journey so enjoy the scenery.

When Travel By Airplane

Your tickets are paid for so save time and run your boarding pass off on your home computer. Then all you have to hassle with at the airport is baggage. Here are some tips I learned trveling this summer:

1. Have your ID - be it license, Passport, boarding pass ready when you check in.
2. Travel light - try to take only carry on baggage and avoid paying for extra luggage.
3. Take your own entertainment on board - books, puzzles, ipod, DVD player.
4. Bring your own snacks - cram your pockets and carry-on pockets with granola bars, popcorn, dried fruit, whatever.
5. Arrive at the airport early. It makes a difference concerning your stress levels and having as stress-free start to your vacation.
6. Travel during off-peak times (tickets are much cheaper).
7. Dress comfortably and always have a light sweater in your carry-on (it can get chilly at 35,000 feet).
8. Take some alcohol wipes with you and wipe surfaces such as seat arms, bathroom handles, etc. (Many germs travel around the world in airplanes).
9. Have some cash ($20) in case you want to buy something to eat on long flights (or need a drink to calm your flying nerves).
10. Mark your baggage well!

Insider's General Tips to Summer Travel

1. When flying try to book morning flights.

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