Record gas prices force Americans to rethink summer road trips
Soaring fuel costs are changing summer travel plans for many Americans. With gas prices reaching record highs, drivers are rethinking long trips—but some still refuse to cancel their journeys. The surge comes as experts warn of further increases in the coming weeks. The average price of petrol could climb to $4.80 a gallon this summer, making it the most expensive on record. By Memorial Day, drivers may already pay $4.48 per gallon, up sharply from $3.14 last year. Even if tensions ease in the Strait of Hormuz, relief at the pump could take weeks to appear.
Despite the costs, 56% of Americans still intend to drive two hours or more for summer getaways. That figure has dropped from 69% in 2023, showing how high prices are reshaping habits. Kelli Stein, a New York driver, is sticking to her plans—a trip to Buffalo—because her employer covers fuel expenses. Others are adapting differently. Joseph Furniss has swapped a road trip for a flight to avoid the pain of filling up. Tom Vereker, visiting family gravesites, now pays around $1.50 extra per gallon for his long day trip. GasBuddy advises drivers to start journeys outside peak traffic times, helping to stretch fuel efficiency on congested routes.
The summer travel season is unfolding under the weight of near-record fuel prices. While some cut back on driving, others adjust routes or rely on work reimbursements to keep moving. Experts warn that any drop in costs will likely come too late for many holiday plans.
