Ways to save money on the family road trip

While gas prices may have been steadily climbing for most of the year, experts believe they are finally leveling off. Prices are a dollar higher than they were last year, but may soon be dropping. However, in an effort to deal with these record prices, families are finding other ways to fight the pump gouge.

Go for a bike ride

Road trips do not have to be accompanied by an engine. Thousands of cyclists will take to America's streets this summer, with help from the Adventure Cycling Association, according to the Chicago Tribune. The ACA helps individuals interested in traveling the country plan cycling routes with elevation profiles and turn-by-turn directions. It also offers guided tours for cyclists who do not want to travel alone.

If bicycling is not a viable option, there are many discounted bus lines which are very popular near New York and Boston, the Tribune reports. Many of these buses offer travelers free Wi-Fi and can cost as little as $30 a seat. Traveling in a bus with others can also help reduce the amount of pollution, possibly making it a more eco-friendly option.

Ease up on the gas pedal

However, for families who want to take the car along with them, there are additional tips they can follow to save fuel . One of the easiest ways to prevent the waste of gas is to simply slow down, according to the paper.

Fueleconomy.gov reports for every 5 miles per hour a car goes over 60 miles per hour, drivers are paying an extra 24 cents for each gallon of gas. The site also recommends checking tire pressure to ensure the car will be supported at the proper level.

Avoiding any type of waiting in line can also help a vehicle receive better gas mileage. Staying away from toll booths, ditching the drive thru and investing in an EZ-Pass can loosen the burden on American's wallets.

Dump the excess baggage

Carrying around additional weight in the trunk or back of a vehicle can reduce gas mileage by up to 2 percent, according to Fueleconomy.gov. Eliminating any unnecessary weight may be extremely helpful in limiting the amount of money a family spends on gas. Experts also recommend keeping luggage inside of the car, not strapped to the roof, to reduce wind resistance.