Memorial Day travelers hit the gas

Even with gas prices across the US sky high, more Americans will be hitting the road today than they did for Memorial Day 2021. 

To drive or not to drive? That is the question 

Memorial Day has arrived. For those journeying across the US for the vacation, it’s time to pack up the car with snacks and games and leave any irritating car passengers at the curb. With thousands of people heading out today, it’s going to be a long old ride.  

There are more than enough reasons to deter people from traveling right now (from gasoline prices sitting at a record high to COVID cases on the rise again), but some folks won’t budge. They’ll make that drive come hell or high water. After years of missing out on events thanks to the pandemic, many people are more determined than ever to spend time with family and friends. 

States are already making preparations for the big day and are encouraging people to prioritize road safety as they journey from place to place. Even beachgoers are being told to hit the waves early in the morning or in the late evening – yes, you’ll miss the midday heat, but you won’t have to fight with another family for the last spot on the sand. 

Price hike yikes 

If you’re traveling today, make sure you’re doing it for family members and friends you actually like –  because it ain’t gonna be a cheap trip. Gas prices are averaging about $6 a gallon in some parts of the country and $4.60 nationwide. Don’t blink – that’s 50% up on last year. 

And you can forget about flying, too. Airlines are braced for big crowds and prices are already up 3% on last year. They’ve got to make up that lost Covid cash somehow, right?