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Family Travel
(NAPSI)-While millions of American families enjoy packing up the car and driving to their vacation destination, peak-season rates and soaring gas prices have many concerned about this year’s travel budget.
According to family-savings expert Kimberly Danger, higher
prices don’t have to keep you from having an unforgettable vacation.
With a little preparation and some creativity, you can plan an affordable trip the entire family will enjoy.
Danger and Uniroyal Tire suggest the following tips:
• Be Realistic.
A vacation should be relaxing-it is something to rejuvenate and exhilarate yourself. Financially overextending yourself can lead to anxiety down the line. The best vacation is one that you can pay for in full when the bill comes.
To make your trip more budget friendly, visit family to cut down on hotel expenses. Use your house as home base for fun day trips. Or travel with another family and share a condo or cabin.
• Look Ahead for Bargains.
If there is a way to spend, there is almost always a way to save. Take a few minutes to research all the ways to get coupons, receive discounts, and take advantage of travel packages or promotions at your destination. Consult the Web site of the local chamber of commerce or visitor’s bureau and sign up to receive special offers.
• Save on Gas.
While there’s not much you can do about the price you pay for gasoline at the pump, there are a few simple things that you can do to ensure your family’s safety while improving your gas mileage.
P Check your tire pressure. A tire that is 20 percent underinflated can reduce fuel economy by up to 3 percent. You should properly check your tire inflation pressure once a month and adjust accordingly.
P Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Simply tuning your engine can improve gas mileage by up to 4 percent.
P Keep both front and rear tires properly aligned. Improper wheel alignment can reduce fuel economy by up to 5 percent. If your car has uneven tire tread wear, pulls to one side, wanders or has an off-center steering wheel, it is time to get your wheels aligned. A nearby Uniroyal Tire dealer can assess your vehicle’s wheel alignment.
For more ways to save on vacations and for information on Uniroyal’s “More Mileage for Your Money” program, e-books, tips and more, visit the Web site at www.uniroyal.com.
There are a number of ways to reduce vacation spending, such as making sure your car is running as efficiently as possible.