Americans Plan to Gas Up, Hit The Road

With The Holiday Weekend And Summer Just Ahead, GasBuddy Predicts Continued Declines In Gas Prices For Road Trip Planners

Ready. Gas. Go.

GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform for North American drivers, just released its 2024 Summer Travel Survey and forecast for Memorial Day travel. The survey reveals a near-record number of Americans plan to road trip this summer as gas prices continue declining ahead of the holiday weekend.

The survey was issued to a random group of GasBuddy users from May 3 to May 6, 2024. 

According to GasBuddy, the national average for gas prices will hold in the mid-$3 per gallon range for much of the summer. However, tens of thousands of stations may fall below $3 per gallon throughout the next several months.

GasBuddy forecasts that gas prices will average $3.58 per gallon nationally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is excellent news for the 76% of survey respondents planning to take a road trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends, a figure that is up 18% from 2023. 

Among major travel holidays, Memorial Day is the most popular, with 60% of individuals planning a road trip, followed by Independence Day at 45% and Labor Day at 34%. Over half (58%) of road trippers have already confirmed their plans by booking accommodations. The average traveler has two road trips planned, with many venturing far–49% of those surveyed expect to drive five or more hours to reach their destination.

Although more road trips are happening, expenses significantly shape summer travel this year. Cost was cited by 68% of survey respondents as the top consideration when planning trips. Additionally, 46% of survey respondents said that high gas costs this year had impacted their itineraries. GasBuddy predicts July 4 will be the lowest-priced holiday at the pump, with Labor Day a bit uncertain due to hurricane season. “Hurricane season is a major wildcard for those hitting the road this summer, but absent a major storm in the Gulf, gas prices should not be much of a hindrance for those taking a road trip,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis.

GasBuddy has provided drivers with four tips for saving at the pump all summer long.

Tip # 1 use the GasBuddy app. Before getting low on gas, drivers can plan their next fill-up and find the lowest-priced station on their route using the GasBuddy app. Savings from this tip can range from 10 to 50 cents per gallon over just a few blocks.

Tip # 2 to mind the line. State lines can bring significant changes in gasoline taxes. Picking the right side of the line can result in savings or additional spending of 25 cents to $2 per gallon.

Tip # 3 take advantage of loyalty programs. Many gas stations offer bonus savings or introductory offers that can save motorists up to 25 cents per gallon.

Tip # 4 consider how you pay. Pay with GasBuddy offers Deal Alerts with savings of up to 25 cents per gallon. More stations are also offering cash discounts this summer for those who prefer to pay with cash. 

To learn more about GasBuddy, visit www.gasbuddy.com.