Gas prices are setting records. You realize the cost of the driving vacation you had planned will be a lot more than you thought. The trip is going to be so much more expensive you are thinking of not taking it at all. You don't have to cancel your trip! You can travel and control your costs of gas by following some simple tips.

The best fuel saving device is you the driver. Believe it or not you are in control of your gasoline usage. These tips and suggestions will allow you to lower your fuel costs while on that driving trip.

First, get rid of all the extra stuff you are carrying in your trunk. Remove that 40 pound bag of dog food you bought two weeks ago. Remove your extra tool kit. Take the box of paper to the recycling center now, instead of carrying it around for another week. Every 100 lbs of weight that you remove from your auto will save you between 1 and 2 percent of your gasoline usage. If your car is lighter it will be much more fuel efficient.

Before you leave on your trip fill up your tank. You already have discovered the best stations to purchase gasoline near your home. Most likely it will be lower priced than the gas stations along your vacation route. You might even be best off buying your gasoline the day before you leave. In most cases the day you leave will likely be rushed and hurried. You might be pressed for time to go to your regular station. If you purchase your gas the day before you will be able to do it without needing to rush around.

Don't use luggage racks. If you need to pack your car for the trip try and get everything inside the car. The wind resistance created by using luggage racks will rob you of fuel. The resistance will increase on the highway.

Use your cruise control on the turnpikes and freeways as much as you can. If you can keep the vehicle speed constant it will be much more fuel efficient. The cruise control on your car will do a much better job of keeping a constant speed than you will be able to maintain manually.

By following these simple suggestions you will be able to take that trip without upsetting your gas or travel budget. These few tips will let you control your costs and take that driving vacation in spite of the cost of gas!