Some 90 percent of Americans vacation by personal vehicle. Chances are, you're one of them. These tips will help you save fuel as well as reduce hassles:

• If you have a choice of vehicles, take the one that gets the best gas mileage. Renting a fuel-effiicient model also can save you money in the long run—both at the pump and by reducing wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
  
  
• Choose a route that enables you to travel at constant speeds and bypass congested areas as much as possible. Unless you're taking a scenic drive, avoid two-lane roads with lots of stop signs and traffic signals. Your AAA Travel representative can help you plan the best route and provide door-to-door driving directions with a customized TripTik® routing, or visit AAA's Web site— AAA.com—and create your own.
  
  
• Start trips early in the day while traffic is light. Plan meal stops to coincide with likely periods of traffic congestion.
  
  
• Take only what you need to keep the load lighter. Keep luggage inside the vehicle, rather than strapped on the roof where it will create wind resistance.
  
  
• Choose a vacation spot where only minimal driving will be needed after you arrive.
  
  
• If your trip seems too far to drive the whole way, consider driving part way and using public transportation or air travel for the remaining distance.