The Post traveled to Las Vegas on December 6, to celebrate Trevor and Alexander Hemry’s 21st birthdays. The brothers are graduates of the Cedar Springs High school class of 2011.

The trip consisted of two stops—The Strip, and a visit to Pawn Stars.

Trevor and Alex enjoyed the trip, as this was their first time flying. Seven other family members joined in on the fun, too. “Although the weather was in the 30s and 40s during the day, while we were there we still had fun sight seeing and participating in all of the activities Vegas has to offer,” said mom Jeanine Hemry.

One of the activities they wanted to do while in Vegas was to visit the famous Pawn Shop that is shown on the History channel. They were doing some filming at the time of their visit so they didn’t have the opportunity to meet any of the cast. They did however get a glimpse of Chumlee as he left the set.

As they prepared to return to the hotel, they were presented with an opportunity to ride in a 15-20 passenger Hummer Limousine.

This trip was special, since this was the first time all four brothers have been on a vacation together in over 10 years. “Life has a tendency to take family members down various paths and sometimes it becomes harder to get everyone together,” explained Jeanine. She said this was a trip to celebrate the milestone of turning 21 and a time of celebration as Alex is leaving in January to join the Air Force. We wish him the best! And thanks for taking the Post with you on your trip!

If readers are going on vacation, take a copy of the Post with you, snap a photo, and send it to us with some brief information to news@cedarspringspost.com.

Looking for ways to save money at the pump? A truck bed cover can reduce drag and cut fuel consumption.

(ARA) Just as Americans are gearing up for warm-weather road trips and family vacations, prices at the gas pump are rising. For most people, driving is essential for getting to work, taking kids to school and going out to have some fun, so filling up the tank is a non-negotiable expense. However, costs add up quickly as fuel prices climb higher, taking up more of your budget.

If you want to keep your plans in place and your spending on track, it’s important to be smart about fuel consumption. Not everyone can afford to buy a new, ultra-fuel-efficient car, so making adjustments to your existing vehicle—and your driving habits—can help you stretch the dollars you spend at the pump.

* Drive mindfully: If you’re used to speeding up fast and braking at the last moment, you need to reconsider how you’re operating your vehicle. Those habits can drain your gas tank and send you back to the pump more often. Instead, make a conscious effort to accelerate and slow down gradually and use cruise control to maintain a constant speed, all of which will help to use fuel more efficiently. When possible, avoid idling and make plans for running errands, to cut down on the number of trips you take.

* Reduce drag: If you drive a truck, smoothing out the aerodynamics of your truck with a truck bed cover or a tonneau cover can make a big difference in fuel consumption. Covers are a simple solution that will give you immediate gas mileage improvement. The roll-up cover is lockable, so it protects your gear and improves the look of your vehicle in addition to reducing drag and bringing down your gas costs. Covers can be added easily with clamp-on installation and can be rolled up behind the cab when not in use.

* Choose wisely: You’re typically given three options at the pump, with a trio of gasolines with different octane levels and different prices. One of the simplest ways to cut costs is to opt for the lowest octane fuel that you can use in your vehicle. Making this change can save you hundreds of dollars per year, without sacrificing performance or gas mileage.

* Give your vehicle a check-up: Maintenance and mileage can go hand in hand, so it’s important to make sure that your car is in shape for saving fuel. Check and change your oil regularly. It’s an essential component in reducing wear caused by friction between moving parts in the engine. If it’s not clean, or if levels are low, your vehicle won’t be performing as efficiently as possible. Equally important to getting good mileage is the air pressure in your tires, which should be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels (often listed on the driver’s side door frame). Proper inflation can improve your gas mileage by up to 3 percent. A check of the air, oil and fuel filters should also be included in a check-up.

Making adjustments to your vehicle and the way you drive can be the best way to save yourself from going over budget on gasoline. Start with these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy the season the way you want to.

Winter and spring are prime months for ocean cruises, but the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan (BBB) advises consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal.
The BBB urges consumers to be especially cautious of unsolicited mail with offers of free or discounted cruises. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1,300 complaints against cruise companies. While legitimate cruise companies do offer specials periodically, there are always those sneaky few that end up leaving consumers on the hook for thousands of dollars.
Many times, scammers will send numerous e-mails, postcards, and other mailings trying to get you to call them in order to claim your “free cruise.” Don’t be fooled by professional looking websites. Gather as much information as you can about the business, and ask a lot of questions before signing on the dotted line.
The BBB and CruiseCritic.com recommend the following tips to consumers who are looking to book a cruise getaway:
· Don’t be a victim. Oftentimes, vacation scammers will use high-pressure sales tactics and make you feel coerced to buy the limited-time deal on the spot. A reputable business or travel agent will provide any information that you request, and give you time to consider your options before booking a vacation.
· Always check the business first. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Before giving a business any personal information, check out their BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org/search. Consumers can also contact the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for information on finding a reputable travel agent.
· Pay with a credit card. For your best protection against a dishonest cruise provider, always pay for your cruise fare — both the initial deposit and the final payment—with a major credit card such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express. If problems arise, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. This same protection may not apply to those using debit or check cards; it’s important to confirm policies with your issuing bank before you charge.
· Ensure your money is in the right hands. After you’ve made a payment, review your credit card or bank statement and make sure that any applicable charges originate directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency. That way, you’ll know that the cruise line has definitely received your money. If you must pay by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line — not to the agency or to an individual.
· Get proper confirmation of your booking. Insist on getting the actual  cruise line’s confirmation numbers, not just a confirmation number from your agency. Not only will you then know that your information and money is in the right hands, but you’ll also be able to pre-reserve shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line’s website.
· Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Before signing on the dotted line make sure all of the details have been clearly outlined and the pricing has been thoroughly explained. Double check whether there are hidden cancellation fees, port charges, or insurance processing fees that haven’t been covered.
· Consider investing in travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide protection in the event of an accident, an illness, lost luggage, or a canceled or interrupted trip, among other things. Follow the same steps outlined here when buying travel insurance.
· For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.