Gas prices reshape holiday travel

High fuel prices and inflation are fundamentally changing how Americans are spending their Memorial Day weekend this year. Several have swapped travelling long distances to reduce the amount they spend on gas.

Instead of canceling vacations entirely, several families are choosing local hiking trails, beaches, and other nearby nature destinations. Others are shortening their stays or splitting travel expenses to enjoy time away without taking on a heavier financial burden.

The move comes as regular gasoline averages $4.56 per gallon, up from $3.18 a year ago, according to the AAA. It also notes that the prices would bring a collective extra $3.5 billion spent on fuel over Memorial Day weekend alone.

Consumer price index data also shows broader travel costs rising sharply. Airfares have increased 20.7% from last year, while intracity transit costs rose 5.6%. Lodging prices climbed 4.3%, and dining out became 3.6% more expensive.

Despite these price hikes, 45 million Americans still planned to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday weekend, and the TSA anticipated screening 18.3 million passengers.

Americans are also rethinking their summer travel plans
A Quinnipiac University poll reveals that 48% of voters have cut back on vacation spending, 54% reduced dining out, and 36% curbed driving.

Gas station scams
As gas prices climb, police officials warn that there is an increase in “pump switching,” where criminals keep a transaction open after a driver leaves the station.

Experts advise drivers to remain vigilant, ignore unusually friendly strangers loitering near the pumps, and always ensure the nozzle is fully clicked back into place before driving away.