- 18:32 ET, Mar 26 2022
- Updated: 18:35 ET, Mar 26 2022
INFLATED gas prices are ruining vacations for penny-pinching families across the country.
Many families are opting for stay-cations or destinations closer to home for their family vacations during this year’s spring and summer breaks due to higher prices at the pump, according to a study done by AAA.
1
An AAA study conducted last month revealed that though travel demand is high following two years of the pandemic, many Americans are rethinking their vacation plans due to surging gas prices.
The agency’s survey of over 1,000 US-based roadtrippers revealed that 52 percent of the surveyed had planned to take a vacation this summer.
Of those travelers, 58 percent said that they would reconsider their plans if gas prices got “high enough.”
Earlier this month, the average price for gas across the country topped $4 a gallon.
AAA’s senior vice president of travel Paula Twidale expects travelers to change their plans to save costs, but not cancel them entirely.
“(Travel) will be more costly,” Twidale said, according to USA Today.
“Is it enough to make people change their mind about actually taking time off enjoying the vacation? I don’t think so.
“It’s all in the planning,” she said. “I would say book early.”
To cut costs, Twidate recommends changing travel dates in order to utilize the cheapest airplane tickets or hotel stays.
She also recommends vacationing at destinations that don’t require rental cars or driving.
CUT GAS COSTS
If your family decides to go ahead with a road trip vacation, there are ways to save money at the pump.
To make your current vehicle more fuel-efficient, you could get rid of clutter, keep your tires inflated to optimal levels, and remove your roof rack.
If your lease is ending and you have the opportunity to switch to a more fuel-efficient or energy-efficient vehicle, this could also put more money back in your pocket.
Driving more efficiently can also save you cash, especially if you accelerate gradually, always drive on the highest possible gear, allow your car to slow down naturally, and keep moving without having to restart your car if possible.
Monitoring for the lowest gas prices in your neighborhood is easier than ever before thanks to the free online tool GasBuddy.
Another great way to save is by not overfilling your gas tank and by not filling up more than necessary.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
