Best Ways to Save on Gas During Holiday Travel
Holiday road trips bring joy, memories—and unfortunately, inflated gas prices. Whether you’re visiting family or escaping for a seasonal getaway, fuel costs can take a noticeable chunk out of your travel budget. Fortunately, with the right mix of tools and timing, you can bring those costs down and keep more money for what matters most.
- Travel on Off-Peak Days
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices often spike around major holidays due to demand. Avoiding peak travel days (like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the Friday before Christmas) can help you save both on fuel and time in traffic. Traveling a day earlier or later often means better prices at the pump and fewer headaches on the road.
- Use Cashback Apps to Stack Rewards
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz can turn everyday purchases into fuel savings. Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback on travel essentials—like snacks, road trip gear, or hotel stays—which you can then apply toward fuel expenses.
Meanwhile, Fluz lets you buy digital gas gift cards with instant rewards. For example, you can get cashback at ExxonMobil, save money at BP, or buy a Chevron gift card online before hitting the pump. Since you can enter the exact purchase amount, there’s no waste—just rewards for what you’re already buying.
- Plan Your Route with Price Comparison Tools
Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest gas along your route. Use their trip planning feature to map out stops where prices are lower and avoid overpriced stations in tourist-heavy zones. You can also cross-reference GasBuddy’s data with the Fluz app to make sure you’re stacking location-based savings with digital gift card rewards.
- Pack Smart to Improve Fuel Efficiency
The more your vehicle weighs, the harder it works. Remove unnecessary cargo from your trunk and avoid storing items on your roof unless absolutely necessary. Roof racks and carriers can reduce your vehicle’s aerodynamics and fuel economy by up to 25% on highways. Lighten the load where you can—your gas tank will thank you.
- Check Tire Pressure and Fluids Before You Go
Proper tire pressure can improve fuel efficiency by 3% or more. Cold weather tends to lower tire pressure, so check your PSI before departure. Also, make sure your oil and engine fluids are topped off for optimal performance. A well-maintained vehicle uses fuel more efficiently over long distances.
- Avoid Last-Minute Fill-Ups in Remote Areas
Fuel up in populated areas before venturing into rural or tourist-heavy destinations. Remote locations often have higher gas prices due to lower supply and increased demand. Use AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate how much you’ll need, and plan accordingly.
Holiday Travel Can Be Cheaper with the Right Tools
Saving on gas during the holidays doesn’t require extreme budgeting—just a smarter approach. By combining cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta with real-time fuel tools and a few car care habits, you can travel confidently without overspending at the pump. With a little planning, your next holiday trip can be both joyful and fuel-efficient.
