Gas prices squeeze shore trips as Memorial Day weekend approaches

HAMILTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- With Memorial Day weekend approaching, drivers heading to the Jersey Shore are weighing how rising gas prices will affect their travel plans, particularly those making repeated trips along the Atlantic City Expressway.

Some travelers say higher prices could mean fewer trips.

Julie MacDonald of Churchville, Pennsylvania, said she may cut back if costs climb.

"I'm going to try to, yeah," she said.

For others, the increases are already noticeable. George Provost of Allentown, Pennsylvania, said filling up his car recently crossed a threshold.

"It was the first time it cost me over $75 to fill the car last week," he said.

After gas prices jumped again overnight, many drivers said they are adjusting daily habits to make every mile count.

Sabrina Darby of Southwest Philadelphia said she is consolidating errands.

"Trying to drive less. When we go out, we do everything we have to do all at the same time and be done," she said.

Business owners are also feeling the impact. Oscar Carrillo of Union Beach, New Jersey, said fuel costs directly affect his construction company.

"I own a construction company, and I have bucket trucks that run on diesel. So no, I don't like the gas prices going up. That kills my business, that kills my bottom line," he said.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said summer road trips remain a priority for many Americans, including destinations like the Jersey shore and the Poconos.

"Even with gas prices currently in the mid-fours, I don't think we're going to see a massive decline in consumption or a massive decline in road trips," De Haan said.

He added that travel typically slows when prices reach certain levels.

"The longer the [Strait of Hormuz] remains closed, the higher oil and gasoline prices are likely to go. If we see the strait closed through potentially Memorial Day, we could see gas prices hitting that $5 mark," he said.

For drivers searching for savings, De Haan offered general guidance on whether traveling farther for cheaper fuel makes sense.

For passenger cars, he said drivers should save one cent per gallon for every extra mile driven. For those in SUVs, he said the savings should be two cents per gallon for every additional mile.

For frequent shore travelers, each trip is now being carefully planned.

MacDonald said she is trying to be more strategic. "Sometimes I just run home for a day and come back, but I'll try to make that a little more efficient."

De Haan said tools such as the GasBuddy app can help drivers find the cheapest gas stations along their route as they navigate the busy travel season.