Saving on Gas this Summer
With the tourism season rapidly approaching, you’re probably thinking about finalizing your travel plans. Rising prices at the pumps may be putting a damper on your mood, but they don’t have to affect your itinerary.
Here are some great ways to save money and still take your dream road trip in the Maritimes:
Consider a fuel efficient vehicle. It sounds obvious, but often the extra space that a larger car offers is worth the added expense. That said, not all spacious vehicles are gas guzzlers. My 2016 Toyota RAV4 SUV offers loads of space for 5 plus all your gear, while offering car-like efficiency. My 2013 Toyota Sienna seats 8 while having better fuel economy than equivalent SUVs. In fact, any of my minivans are a great choice for maximizing space and minimizing fuel consumption. My Fiat 500c is a tiny convertible that gets excellent fuel economy from its 1.4L engine. It’s a great choice if you don’t need the extra space (plus it’s a hoot to drive).
Use Cruise Control. As of writing this article, all of my vehicles include cruise control. Some cars, such as my 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan, include radar adaptive cruise control for added convenience. Using cruise control can save an average of 7-14% on your fuel consumption (source: Kia). It’s also a great way to rest your foot on the highway. Unless you run into construction detours, you’ll likely find light traffic flow on Nova Scotian 100-series highways: the perfect time to cruise.
Plan your route. One of the best parts of a road trip is discovering hidden gems along the way, but longer detours can quickly run up your mileage and drain your wallet. Try to stick to a plan that maximizes efficiency. All my cars include phone holders to use your own GPS. My 2015 Hyundai Genesis has built in navigation and my 2013 Toyota Sienna also has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to connect your favourite navigation apps from your phone.
Most importantly, don’t overthink it. We all have the travel bug this Summer after two years of limitations. Take advantage of the open road and experience the Maritimes to the fullest. Gas prices may be at all time highs, but you can’t put a price on lifelong memories.