Worried about heading to your favorite resort for some mountain biking, hiking or just exploring this summer? Before booking any lodging, call the resort chamber of commerce and ask if there's a "free gas" deal. Even tony Aspen in Colorado is offering free gas (up to $50, plus free bike rentals and bus passes) to travelers. Too ritzy a town for you? How about Big Bear in California, where the free gas card gives a traveler from $25 to $100 in gas, depending upon one's length of stay.

The number of "free gas" deals popping up to convince travelers to resort towns across the country is surprising - but understandable. Savvy resorts are afraid that even their regular "I've been going there forever" guests are cutting travel back with gas expected to climb to $4 or perhaps more by mid-summer.

Click on Deals and Discounts at Ski and Summer Mountain Resorts for links to resorts' websites, where you'll find travel packages with free gas, lower than normal room rates and added benefits to entice you into visiting this summer.