By Ed Hewitt

updated 12:13 p.m. ET July 2, 2008

Over the last few summers, gas costs have become an unnerving new concern for Americans planning vacations, with prices soaring well over $3 a gallon — adding yet another burden to the often already considerable cost of traveling. Unfortunately, this summer isn't going to be any easier on travelers' wallets; Gas prices across the nation have surpassed $4 a gallon, and they show no signs of falling. The fact is, the days of the $2 and under gallon of gas are almost certainly over — but we've managed to come up with a few ways to save at the pump.

Simple stuff
1. Buy gas the day before you travel. You already know where the best gas deals are near your house or office, so you might as well purchase the first tank of your trip at a price you know and can control.

2. Empty out your ride. Leaving the 50-pound bag of dog food, the sack of grass seed, the immovable box of magazines headed for recycling, and more in your car on long trips adds weight to your car and gobbles up fuel at a rate of 1-2 percent per 100 pounds. Lighten your load before traveling to save money.

On the highways
3. Choose an exit with several gas stations. You can usually tell these from the amenity signs on the highway leading up to the exit — the ones that list several fast food joints, local diners, hotels and gas stations. If the sign lists two or more stations, you will often benefit from the simple fact that there is competition for your business.

Upon exiting, you'll typically see a sign reading:

Brand A — 0.1 mi ——>

Brand B — 0.1 mi <——

Brand C — 0.8 mi ——>

In this case, you may want to choose the station that is furthest from the exit ramp.

Typically, Brand C will have the lowest prices, simply due to the inability to gouge outsiders looking for a quick off-and-on fill-up (the locals often use this station).

Two things happen. First, it's cheaper. Second, it is often less crowded. The extra mile's drive will cost you a few cents, but you can sometimes recover that in the first few gallons, and ultimately save quite a bit if you are running on empty and fill your tank.

4. Use "official" rest stops — like those named after founding fathers, football coaches, nurses, mythical figures and others surely lost to memory were it not for Wikipedia and New Jersey Turnpike rest areas. (Quick — who is Joyce Kilmer? Anyone? Anyone?) Oddly enough, these official rest stops tend to have fairly competitive prices; perhaps it would be unseemly for a station enjoying the considerable benefits of a government highway contract to soak us with high gas prices while trapped on the costly side of toll booths.

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