Despite paying roughly $1.10 more per gallon than during the previous Labor Day, motorists are refusing to cancel their holiday plans, opting instead to trim vacation budgets in other areas to offset the pain at the pump.
Holiday Travel Demand Defies Rising Gas Prices
National travel numbers remain high across airfare, cruises, and road trips, according to AAA data. While the national average for a gallon of gas sits at $4.14, New York drivers face higher costs averaging $4.30. Elizabeth Carey, AAA’s director of public relations, notes that travelers are determined to make the most of the final long weekend of summer.
“We’re not seeing a slowdown in travel,” Carey explains. “What we’re seeing is people saying, ‘we still want to make the most of this last long weekend of summer, so we’re still going to take the trip.’ They’re just paying a little bit more for gasoline.”
Pro Tip from AAA:
To cut down on travel costs during high-price cycles, AAA recommends fueling up at big-box retailers, grocery store discount locations, or Native American properties where tax rates are lower. Using cruise control when safe also maximizes fuel economy on long highway stretches.
Motorist Reactions and Budget Adjustments
Drivers across the state acknowledge the financial pinch at filling stations, comparing current expenses with the record highs seen in 2022. Jaminett Ortiz points out that fuel along the New York State Thruway commands an even steeper price tag, while Jaidon McBride calls the high costs annoying but necessary.
“It sucks. It always sucks when you have to put more in the pump,” says Andrew Wyatt. “It’s less money on trips and travels and holiday costs, and everything else, so, but it is what it is. Got to deal with it, right?”
To cope with the financial strain, vacationers are altering their daily spending habits rather than staying home. According to Carey, travelers are choosing to eat in on certain nights rather than dining out for every meal to stay within their allocated budgets.
Planning a Milestone Road Trip Against the Odds
For some travelers, holiday fuel prices are simply a secondary concern when milestone celebrations are involved. David and Judy Herrington of Troy left their home at 4 a.m. on a Friday to embark on a cross-country drive to California, celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary.
“We’re doing it. No matter what,” Judy Herrington says. “We planned for it, we saved for it. So we’re doing it. We did it two years ago when gas prices were high, during some other times.”
The couple mapped out an itinerary following the exact route David’s parents took during the 1970s, aiming to visit national parks across the United States. For them, avoiding traffic congestion by traveling early in the morning matters more than the immediate cost of fuel.
Road Trip Preparation and Safety Recommendations
With AAA responding to roughly 14,000 road service calls during the comparable holiday period last year, experts urge drivers to verify that vehicles are road trip ready before leaving. Carey advises checking vehicle tires and batteries to prevent unexpected breakdowns on busy highways, and recommends traveling during off-peak hours like early mornings or late evenings to avoid heavy traffic congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of gas in New York for Labor Day travel?
The New York state average for a gallon of gas is $4.26, which is approximately $1.10 higher than the prices recorded during the previous Labor Day.
Are high gas prices causing travelers to cancel their holiday trips?
No. According to AAA, travelers are still moving forward with their vacation plans, choosing instead to trim expenses in other areas such as dining out to stay on budget.
What tips does AAA recommend for saving money on fuel?
AAA recommends fueling up at big-box retailers, grocery store discount locations, and Native American properties, along with utilizing cruise control to optimize gas mileage.
Join the conversation: How are gas prices affecting your holiday travel plans this season? Leave a comment below, share this article with fellow road-trippers, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel updates.