My family plans a "staycation" Labor Day weekend with short car trips within a 100-mile radius. Any advice to save even more money during that time? -- Cal Conserve

Dear Cal: For those who're not as familiar with the term, at-home or close-to-home vacations now have a name -- staycations. I expect if the truth be known, lots of folks are storing funds this way by making shorter trips to local attractions rather than costly long drives or flights. With the economy still in the dumps with regards to vacationing expenditures, traveling short distances from home to reserve cash has gained popularity this summer.

First, comparison-shop between in-town staycations and those on down-the-road. One might think initially a series of day trips from his family's home base would be cheaper. However, price each out to be sure. What would a weekend of visiting local museums, amusement parks, restaurants, and attractions really cost? Now, consider booking a vacation rental in a country town a two-hour drive away. Once there, you could use your car minimally, cook your own meals, and entertain yourself with free activities like hiking and swimming.

As common sense as this hint is, sometimes we get in a hurry to hit the road and fail to thoroughly check the vehicle. Little chores like checking your oil, windshield wiper fluid, and tire pressure shouldn't be overlooked. The experts at AAA assure drivers of gas savings when we maintain the correct tire pressure. In fact, this single check-up can save nearly 4 percent on the next fill-up!

Drive in one lane. Even though gasoline isn't the $3-plus of last summer, the price still crept back up enough in recent weeks for us to take a good look at conservation. According to AAA sources, driving in one lane equals safe, easy and fast travel. Forget those bozos in the fast lane; studies show their darting in and out burn up a whopping 30 percent more gas than other cars that keep a steady pace. And, worse, the "darters" double their odds of an accident.

Take the scenic route. Especially when driving in heavy traffic on a busy interstate, an alternate road actually reduces overall travel time and expense. With no stops and starts, bumper-to-bumper at every accident, flat tire, and so forth, our gas actually lasts longer. Even better, picturesque countryside and charming stops along the way make for much better memories to tuck away.

Editor's Note: Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business. E-mail her at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com