Money-Saving Tips For RoadTrips (NAPSA)—Whether it’s time for some fun in the sunora trip to the mountains, families across the country will be heading out on the highway for the great American road trip. In fact, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, about 86 percent ofall domestic summer vacations are taken by car, truck or RV. To help motorists enjoy their vacations without breaking the bank, here are five easy ways to maximize a road trip budget. Start Out Slowly. While you may be anxious to reach your destination as quickly as possible, be sure to observe the posted speed limits. Avoiding high speeds not only will help conserve gasoline, it also could help you avoid a costly speedingticket. Find the Free Fun. For some inexpensive entertainment along the way, look for free roadside attractions, such as the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kan., or the Eiffel Tower Replica in Paris, Tenn. State parks, museums and historical sites also can prove to be bargain destinations. For theme park lovers, check online for special discounts on prepurchased tickets counts on area restaurants and attractions. Some hotel chains now even offer free to-go breakfast bags and snack packs for those who can’t wait to hit the road again. and other value-added deals. Save at the Pump. Whenit’s time to fill up, stretch the road trip budget by using a credit card that offers rebates on gasoline. For example, consumers who use the Shell MasterCard from Citi Cards earn a 5 percent gasoline rebate on Shell gasoline purchases —that translates to 10 cents per gallon on gasoline priced at $2 per gallon. Consumers earn an additional 1 percent in Shell gasoline rebates on all other purchases they make with the card. Book a Hotel that Offers Extras. When selecting a hotel or motel, choose one that offers extra value, such as a free night’s stay, complimentary breakfast or dis- Prepare for the Unexpected. The last thing you want to deal withis a flat tire or a dead battery, but unfortunately, these things can happen. To minimize the stress and cost involved with using local towing services and repair shops, look into roadside assistance plans before you leave. Be sure to shop around for the best deal. Your car’s manufacturer or insurance provider may offer free roadside assistance. Even some cellular telephone services now offer 24-hour roadside assistance for as little as $2.99 per month. For more tips and advice for getting the family—and the family car—ready for the road, consumers can request a free copy of the “Shell V-Power Road Trip Survival Guide” by calling tollfree 866-859-9538 or by visiting www.shell.com/us. Consumers can also apply for the Shell MasterCard from Citi Cards by calling 1-877-My-Shell or visiting www.877myshell.com.
