Hamburg  - Motorists can do a lot to boost their holiday budget by driving economically and saving fuel, according to figures released by the German Energy Agency (dena).

Simply by reducing speed and following other tips can easily add 50 euros (71 dollars) and more to the holiday pocket, the agency points out.

Here is some more advice for the holiday motorist:

- Check the tyre pressure before making a long trip. A loaded vehicle needs at least 0.2 bar more per tyre than the recommended normal pressure. Low tyre pressure can boost fuel consumption by up to two per cent.

- Most car air conditioners require between one and two litres more per 100 kilometres, quickly adding between 20 and 40 euros to the fuel bill on a long trip. Adjusting the temperature to five degrees Celsius below the exterior temperature is mostly sufficient.

- Bicycles and other heavy objects on the roof rack can boost fuel consumption by as much as 40 per cent. For a short holiday trip it might be cheaper to hire a bicycle locally.

- Accelerating gently and changing gears at low revs can also reduce fuel consumption substantially. (dpa)