Higher Gas Prices, More Travelers: HV Memorial Day 2018

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Gas prices have jumped over the $3 mark in much of the Hudson Valley. Still, vacationers are expected to travel in near-record numbers for Memorial Day weekend, reports AAA Northeast.

An estimated 41.5 million Americans – nearly 5 percent more than in 2017 — expect to travel 50 miles or more this upcoming holiday. Yes, national and statewide average gas prices have steadily climbed over the last few months. In fact, the price of gas over Memorial Day weekend last year was only $2.37.

AAA’s weekly survey of prices in the New York metro area:

• Dutchess-Putnam: $3.094
• Kingston: $2.965
• White Plains: $3.175
• New York City: $3.171
• New York average: $3.067

Vacationers who drive are expected to pay the most expensive Memorial Day gas prices since 2014. Higher gas prices, however, haven’t deterred travelers, who are poised to kick off the 2018 summer travel season.

“The highest gas prices since 2014 won’t keep travelers home,” says Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokesman. “A strong economy and growing consumer confidence are motivating Americans to kick off what’s expected to be a busy summer travel season.”

Of the overall 41.5 million travelers:

• 88.2% or 36.6 million Americans — nearly 5% higher compared to last year – expect to travel by car;
• 7.5% or 3.1 million – a 7% increase – expect to fly; and
• 4.3% or 1.8 million – a 2.4% increase – will take some other mode of transportation such as trains, buses, rails or cruises.

What with commuters and vacatoiners, the nation’s roadways are expected to be very congested on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day, says INRIX, a global transportation analytics company.

For example, the worst time to travel in the New York metro area is between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm Friday. Delays could be three times longer than usual.

PHOTO/ Lanning Taliaferro