Cell Phone can save money on a trip
Special to The Gazette
Originally published 01:55 p.m., May 23, 2008
Updated 01:55 p.m., May 23, 2008
The high cost of gasoline — nearly $4 a gallon for regular unleaded in Emporia — has AAA predicting that the number of travelers hitting the road this holiday weekend will decrease for the first time since 2002. U.S. Cellular wireless experts say your cell phone can help you keep vacation costs at a minimum. “Your cell phone is a great tool for locating the least expensive gas, receiving hands-free turn-by-turn directions for avoiding traffic, capturing fun vacation moments, and if grilling isn’t an option, you can quickly find restaurants that deliver,” said Roberta Winger, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Kansas .
U.S. Cellular offers the following tips for the Memorial Day traveler:
F Downloadable applications to your cell phone such as Mapquest Mobile can help you pre-plan the most direct route to the cheapest gas stations and to your destination.
F Your Navigator can be downloaded to your cell phone and can provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn navigation to a hands-free Bluetooth headset. It also pinpoints your current location, highlights heavy traffic areas and suggests the quickest travel times to the mall for the start of the summer movie season, ATM or gas station.
F Gasbuddy.com can be accessed right on your cell phone browser to locate the least expensive gas in each city. It also offers the nearest exit to the cheapest gas on your route.