Memorial Day weekend is coming up, which means that travel will be increasing and so will traffic. Many will choose driving as their main source of travel, especially to places 50 miles or more from home. AAA predicts that 30.7 million people will hit the roads between May 24 and 28.
For all drivers out there, gas prices are a concern. While gas prices are still high, they are starting to come down, but these rates are changing daily and can be unpredictable. People spend thousands of dollars a year on gas for their cars, so it is worth looking out for deals and the cheapest prices.
Here are some of TravelersToday's tips on how to save on gas this upcoming weekend,or at any time.
Get Your Gas At Off-Peak Times
Buy gasoline earlier in the week. Prices tend to rise as the week progresses, so try to fill up Sunday-Tuesday. Also, go to gas stations during early morning hours or late night hours. Gas stations often change their prices during the day, so if you go very early or late, you'll likely get a lower price before the prices increase later on.
Do Your Research
If you do a quick Google search, you can find several websites that study gas station trends and allow you to search what gas stations are cheapest near you. Some sites include Gasbuddy.com, FuelMeUp.com, Gasprices.mapquest.com, and many others. Some of these sites will also tell you which gas stations consistently offer lower prices and they'll tell you when their prices usually increase. Do a little research and find a local gas station with the best prices.
Read the Small Print
Some gas stations may appear to offer the cheapest gas, but look out for small print. Many stations offer their cheaper prices if you pay with cash. If you're paying with a credit card, you could actually be paying more and you may not realize it. Look closely at the pump.
Credit Card Rewards
While some gas stations may charge more for using a credit card, some credit card companies may offer rewards or rebates if you buy gas at a certain station. Check out your credit card policy to see if this applies.
Club Memberships
If you belong to a club like Costco, you may be able to get discounts at club stations, but make sure the discount is worth it. The gas at club stations could wind up costing more than other stations.
Fill Up in a town with Several Gas Stations
Gas stations are always in competition and they tend to usually offer lower prices. Browse around and see which station is offering the best price. It may be busier than others, but it's worth the wait to save some money.
Avoid Gas Stations Near a Highway
If there are several highway stations available, prices could be higher due to competition, but it many not be worth taking chances. Highway gas stations can often charge higher prices because of their convenience to commuters, travelers and truckers.
Fill Up While Out of State
Gas prices vary across the country due to a difference in taxes. If you're planning on going to a different state, use an online site or app to look at their gas prices. You may be better off filling up your tank while you're travelling away from your home state. For instance, gas stations in New Jersey are a go to for New York drivers.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
