Save money when traveling? Sorry, can't be done. Okay, well, maybe if we put our heads together we can come up with a few ideas on how to save some money when traveling. We're going to have to get creative here and I'm sure some of you won't like some of the ideas. That's okay. You can brainstorm too, and maybe together we can save enough money so you won't feel like you have to sell your home in order to pay for vacation.

The cost of gasoline is probably the first thing that leaps into everyone's mind when you mention traveling. Notice I said 'leaps'? That's exactly what the cost of gasoline seems to keep doing. It's has just about leaped right on out of our budget. The best way to save money on gasoline is simple-don't drive. Take a bus or an airplane. What, you have three kids? You didn't tell me that. Okay, so you can't afford plane tickets for five, oh, sorry, six; your mother is going too. Sounds like a really fun trip. All joking aside, there are a few ways to save gas even in that van you plan on driving. Here's a few tips:

1. Have the car serviced and all fluid levels checked before the trip. Things are
generally a lot cheaper around home. Ask your mechanic to check for the wear on the
fan belt and any other potential problems. Take an extra quart of oil with you and
if you are even a little mechanically inclined, a few tools in case of a breakdown.
A flat tire or a dead battery can be twice as expensive on the road.

2. Have the tires checked to be sure they are properly inflated. Too little air can
really bite into your gas mileage. Buy a tire gauge and stick it in the glove box.
Check the tire pressure every so often. Make sure your spare is good and pack a
flashlight. You do know how to change a flat, don't you?

3. If you've got your exact route planned out, then get online and check gas stations.
Try to find the places that have the cheapest rates. Stop at them and fill up even
if you have half a tank. You don't want to be running on empty and the station just
ahead charges $.20 more a gallon than the place twenty miles back.

4. Don't overload the vehicle. Okay, I know what you're thinking. Six people is a
pretty good load. What I meant is don't haul any more than you have to. No, that
isn't a way out to avoid taking Mom. Just tell everyone ahead

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