Gas Busters: Five Top Vacation Cities Where You Don't Need a Rental Car

Has the price of gas given you the pre-summer travel time blues? Don’t let those expensive trips to the Exxon station (XOM) cast a cloud over your vacation plans. Instead, plan to take public transportation on your next summer fun trip.

Whether you’re visiting the Statue of Liberty or the White House there are convenient ways to get around some of the nation’s major cities that do not involve major exertion.
Here are five cities with some of the best deals around for a vacationing family of four, as well as some estimates of the costs, and savings to be had.

Chicago, Ill.
How to Get Around: Check out the Chicago Transit Authority for information on trains and buses to take you around the city, including to the Sears Tower. The daily cost of travel for four with an unlimited pass is $5 per person.
Public Transport Cost (Per Day): $20
Mid-sized Car Rental (Per Day): $37.99
Estimated Savings by Taking Public Transportation: $17.99
Gas You Could Buy with Your Savings: A little more than 4 gallons

Washington, D.C.
How to Get Around: Take the Metro, which can take you from the National Mall to the Pentagon City Mall (and to many points in between). The Washington Area Transit Authority provides directions for navigating the nation’s capital. The daily cost of travel for four with an unlimited pass is $7.80 per person.
Public Transport Cost (Per Day): $31.20
Mid-sized Car Rental (Per Day): $60.99
Estimated Savings by Taking Public Transportation: $29.49
Gas You Could Buy with Your Savings: More than 7 gallon