Money-saving tips can help stretch road trip dollars

Hotel and airline companies have been reporting increased business and leisure travel activity in recent months, but many people are likely to continue trying to limit their vacation spending this summer due to a stubbornly shaky economy.

Fortunately, people planning road trips can consider a variety of money-saving tips, depending on their destinations and the activities they have planned. For those passing through rural areas and parklands, choosing to stay at a campground as opposed to a hotel can result in substantial savings over the course of several days.

By camping, people can save additional money by cooking at their site as opposed to eating at area restaurants. Groups like AAA also have numerous discounts available to members.

Those who do plan to stay in hotels may consider searching for last-minute deals online, and it can also be helpful to enroll in rewards programs offered by leading chains to gain credit toward discounted or free nights.

It also makes sense to try to use the most fuel-efficient vehicle available for longer road trips, and to check with one's auto insurance company to be sure all necessary coverages are in place.