Holiday travelers are enjoying the cheapest gas prices since 2008, and those low gas prices are helping to fuel a record number of travelers.
AAA projects the number of year-end holiday travelers will top 100 million for the first time on record. Nearly one in three Americans will take a trip this holiday season, with 100.5 million expected to journey 50 miles or more from home between December 23 and January 3. This is a 1.4 percent increase over last year. Low gas prices and an improving economy are the driving factors. AAA estimates that about 1.2 million Oregonians will travel for the year-end holidays.
The vast majority of travelers will drive to their destinations, enjoying a holiday bonus of the lowest gas prices for Christmas since 2008. For the week, the national average for regular unleaded loses a penny to $2.00 while Oregon’s average gains three cents to $2.32. Refinery issues in California are putting upward pressure on retail gas prices in this region.
Nearly 91 percent (91.3 million people) will go by car, an increase of 1.4 percent compared to last year. AAA estimates that about 1.1 million Oregonians will drive.
“Lower gas prices add up to more discretionary income and more options to travel, eat at restaurants, see movies, buy holiday gifts and enjoy outings with family and friends,” says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.
More than 13,000 stations nationwide are selling gasoline for less than $1.75 per gallon, with 30 states posting averages below $2 per gallon. The West Coast continues to have the highest gas prices. California ($2.74) bumps Hawaii ($2.73) as the state with the most expensive gasoline in the nation. Nevada ($2.50), Washington ($2.43) and Alaska ($2.40) round out the top five most expensive states. Oregon ($2.32) is sixth for the second week in a row. The cheapest gas in the country is in Missouri ($1.76).
