Gasoline Prices in the Southwestern United States

2008 Gasoline Update

Rising gas prices coupled with the increase in vacation costs makes it important for travelers to maximize their vacation dollars. With high gas prices (I paid $4.05 per gallon at a mountain summit gas station recently), travelers are having to take a hard look at flying vs. driving, or perhaps, staying home.

To complicate things, the Sierra Club adds in kindness to the planet as you make your travel decisions. Have a look at their "How Green is My Getaway? Quiz" and you will see what I mean.

Fuel Rebates

Some hotels and inns are offering fuel rebates. The "Tanks a Lot Bed and Breakfast Promotion" through Bedandbreakfast.com links you with 97 inns in 28 states that will provide gas relief of the financial kind.

Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is coming to the aid of travelers and re-launching its Santa Fe Gas Rebate. Guests, whether they travel by train, plane or car, will receive a $50 food and beverage credit when they present a dated gas receipt or rental car contract that corresponds with the date of check-in. The Santa Fe Gas Rebate, which requires a two-night stay, is valid now through September 6, 2008. Rates start at $219 per night.

Mapquest Tool

Save money by using the new Mapquest Gasoline price mapping tool. It's an exceedingly cool new tool for US road travel. Great addition to the toolbox you can use to calculate gas costs for that next road trip.

Up to Date Pricing on Gasoline Throughout the Southwestern United States

As you plan your Southwest vacation, follow the trends in gasoline pricing listed here for the major metropolitan areas. Armed with this information, you may consider re-fueling in an area where the trend is toward cheaper prices.

Arizona - Includes East Valley, Flagstaff, Phoenix Proper, Phoenix-Mesa, Pima County, Scottdale, Tucson, West Valley, and Yuma.

Colorado - Includes Boulder-Longmont, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins-Loveland, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction (CO only), Greeley, Pueblo and Vail.

New Mexico - Includes Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.

Texas - Includes Amarillo, Austin-San Marcos, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth-Arlington, Houston, Galveston-Texas City, San Antonio, and Texarkana (TX only).

Utah - Includes Provo-Orem and Salt Lake City-Ogden.

Nevada - Includes Las Vegas and Reno.

Money-Saving Tips for Car and RV Travel

- Use data to decide where to buy gasoline before your tank dips below the half-way mark.
- Keep your tires inflated according to your owner's manual. Hot weather desert driving requires different air pressure than driving in average temperatures.
- Consider a fuel-efficient car. Hybrids are in and our Hybrid Car site can help you determine which Hybrid car might be best for you.
- Observe the speed limit. While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
- Travel with family or friends. Share expenses.
- Use AAA's handy fuel calculator as you plan your trip. You may just decide to vacation closer to home!

Long-Range Planning to Save

The Sierra Club just came out with a thought-provoking MPG Calculator. To find out how much you'd save if fuel economy were modernized, use their futuristic MPG calculator.