Are Gas Prices Limiting Summer Travel?

With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and summer travel approaching consumers are watching gas prices with a wary eye. They're watching for price spikes that could impede planned summer vacations. Up to this point gas prices seem to be remaining fairly steady for 2010, although they are slightly higher than 2009. Experts and those knowledgeable in the industry can make fairly accurate predictions based on: political situations, amount of consumption, cost per barrel, etc.

Prices at the pump do not seem to have been affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This lack of negative effect has come as a welcome relief to many summer RV travelers. While Class A and Class C recreational vehicles do have high gas consumption in comparison to other forms of transportation, the RV mode of travel is still a very affordable means of travel after factoring in the number of people accommodated by the vehicle.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) there will be an approximate 3% US real gross domestic product increase. That means that there will be an approximate $0.12/gallon price increase at the gas pumps. Gas prices always vary by state. Some states will see gas prices reaching $3.00/gallon this summer, but the national average for gas prices throughout the most popular travel season from April through September will be $2.94/gallon. For all of 2010 the average price of gas for the entire nation is $2.98 (in comparison the average for 2009 was $2.86/gallon).

The all time high national gas price average came in 2008 ($3.80/gallon). This caused a lot of vacationers to change their plans; staying closer to home and downsizing recreational vehicles used for travel. The all time high gas prices signaled the beginning of the recession and while many RVers kept their RVs just as many cut their total travel time significantly which had an overall negative effect on the RV industry (from manufacturers to dealers to campgrounds).

Gas prices may fluctuate but according to expert predictions…RVers can feel comfortable planning their vacations without limiting themselves due to outrageous gas pricing. While some will want to decrease trip expenditures by staying close to home and/or extending stays in one spot; gas costs should not be prohibitive to RV travelers this summer. To decrease the costs of gas while RVing, enthusiasts are encouraged to consider lightweight travel trailers, campers and pop ups that can easily be hitched behind small to midsized vehicles. Travelers can decrease trip expenditures while still enjoying all the joys of the road.

The "break" from school that comes with summer inspires many to take a "break" from work. It's a time to relax. It's a time to rejuvenate. It's a time to create stronger bonds with family and friends. And there's no better way to do any of that than taking to the open road in a recreational vehicle. It allows for spontaneity, fun, relaxation, adventure…it's the most versatile of all traveling methods.

RV enthusiasts don't seem daunted as long as gas prices remain around (or under) $3.00 per gallon. RVers will be on the road (whether they be traveling close to home or embarking on international travel) and enjoying their summer in 2010. There's so much to explore and it's even more fun when all the summer incentives are available (watch for fee-free weekends at national parks).

RV travel hasn't shown any signs of being limited by gas prices this year. It doesn't matter if RVers are traveling by Class A motor home or Class C RV or a lightweight camper…the RV travel costs are below average in comparison to other popular forms of vacation travel: airfare, lodging, etc. All in all heading to the pumps to gas up your RV is a great idea for summer 2010.

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