Gas prices are the highest they have been in seven years, but that’s not stopping an estimated 34 million Americans from driving to a holiday weekend vacation.
Last year only 23 million Americans went on vacation for Memorial Day, down from 43 million in 2019.
Related
“This year we’re expecting about a 60% increase to about 37 million people who are going to be traveling about 50 miles more away from their home,” said AAA’s Sergio Avila.
He told KCBS Radio that the last time gas prices were this high was back in 2014, thanks to instability in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In the East Bay, gas prices were recently $3.99 at Arco, $4.04 at Safeway and $4.39 at Chevron.
“What we’ve discovered is that high gas prices don’t necessarily deter someone from taking their trip, but they cut corners during their trip,” Avila said. “Maybe they’ll eat at less expensive restaurants.”
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram