Holiday weekends are notorious for driving gas prices higher. Whether you are heading home for Thanksgiving, taking a summer road trip, or traveling over Christmas, smart planning can help you avoid paying top dollar at the pump. Here’s how to keep your fuel costs in check during peak travel seasons.

1. Fill Up Early
   Gas prices often spike a few days before a major holiday. Fill your tank three to five days in advance to beat the rush and lock in lower rates. Use apps like GasBuddy to monitor local trends and identify the best time to fill up.
2. Plan Your Route Strategically
   Mapping your trip carefully can save both time and money. Highways close to city centers or major attractions usually have higher fuel prices. Plan to fill up in suburban or rural areas where prices are generally lower.
3. Avoid Peak Travel Days When Possible
   Leaving a day earlier or later than the main holiday rush can help you avoid traffic jams and potential price spikes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower prices and fewer travelers on the road.
4. Take Advantage of Grocery Fuel Rewards
   Many grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons offer fuel rewards programs. You can redeem points for discounts per gallon at affiliated gas stations. Make sure to cash in rewards before they expire.
5. Monitor Apps for Real-Time Savings
   Beyond traditional navigation tools, apps like Waze and GasBuddy offer live fuel price tracking, helping you find cheaper stations along your route without detouring too far.
6. Use a Gas Rewards Credit Card
   Fuel-specific credit cards often offer cashback bonuses or discounts. Cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and Sam’s Club Mastercard provide strong fuel cashback benefits, making them excellent options during long travel seasons.
7. Optimize Your Driving Habits
   Smooth driving not only keeps you safer on crowded roads but also saves gas. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain steady speeds to maximize fuel efficiency during long trips.
8. Don’t Wait Until You’re Desperate for Gas
   Running your tank low during holiday traffic can force you into filling up at overpriced stations. Start looking for a station when you still have about a quarter of a tank remaining.

Holiday Gas Savings Checklist:

• Fill up early (3–5 days before travel)

• Plan your fueling stops around cheaper areas

• Redeem fuel rewards points

• Use real-time apps to spot price dips

• Maximize your credit card rewards

Holiday travel may mean busy roads and packed gas stations, but a little foresight can help you sidestep the worst of the price surges—and keep your budget intact.