But the constant struggle remains: is it possible to take lengthy road trips without hurting your wallet? There are many different aspects of the road trip that can add up your costs fairly quickly: there’s fuel, food, and lodging costs to consider, as well as setting money aside to spend on having fun!

With this in mind, it is important to save money wherever possible when taking a road trip. Given how much you will be driving, energy costs are a natural place to start the trimming. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are planning your next road trip!

• Pack light! If you have a lot of extra luggage, that extra weight might start to impact your fuel costs. It is important to pack only what you’ll need—that will keep your fender from scrapping against the road! Click here for some great advice about strategically packing your car.
• On the highway, use your car’s cruise control. If you can keep a steady pace, you will save money on fuel costs. Your cruise control will keep your fuel consumption regulated and will adjust for changes in incline.
• Don’t go too fast! Going over 60mph reduces gas mileage and can add up to 31 cents per gallon of gas.
• Make sure your car is ready for a trip. You’ll want to make sure that your tires are properly inflated, your oil has been changed recently, you have clean air filters, and that your car is in a generally good working order. If these conditions are ignored, your car’s performance will suffer, which could lead to a less efficient trip and unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Therefore, it is worth your while to take your car to a mechanic for a check-up just to be sure before taking a lengthy road trip.
• Ultimately, one of the best ways to have an energy efficient trip is to travel in the right vehicle. When you are choosing your next car, make sure you choose one that fits with your lifestyle—there are many green car options that can save you money in the long-term!
• Cut down on your air conditioner use! To accomplish this while still feeling comfortable, try driving with the windows down and wearing light and breezy clothes.

Looking for more energy efficiency advice? Visit the rest of our blog, Bright Insights, to learn more!

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