If you are heading out to fill up your tank, take a moment before you do to check in at this site provided by MSN. All you have to do is fill in your zip code and the site will report the price of fuel at gas stations near you. Looking at the prices will still give you sticker shock (remember when we worried that gas would hit $3 a gallon?), but it may save you a few pennies.

Carol White, a spokeswoman for the RV industry, had these thoughts about the price of gasoline and whether or not it should determine if you and your family should get away this year for a vacation:

“Everyone seems to be complaining about the high cost of fuel forcing them to cancel their summer vacation plans. I don't like the higher prices any better than the next guy, but let's take a realistic look at it.

Did you cancel last year's plans? According to AAA, gas prices have increased an average of $.56 a gallon since this time last year. Let's just say it has been $.75 a gallon in your area. If your summer trip is 1,000 miles long and your car gets an average of 23 MPG, your fuel will cost $32.60 more this year than last. One dinner at home instead of eating out before you go will save that much. Is $32 any reason to cancel your vacation?

What does it really cost? When you add up all the expenses of a vacation, fuel only counts as the second or third highest expense. Typically food and lodging will cost more than fuel. If you need to cut back, consider RVing or eating more meals in, or renting a slightly less expensive lodging.”

Carol recommends passing up your daily low fat mochachina fix at the coffee shop as a way to help pay for your additional fuel costs.

Coffee or vacation? Who said life was simple?