Will Low Gas Prices Tempt You Into a Summer Road Trip?
As social distancing guidelines begin to relax across the country, many are considering if and how they can travel. Many people are dismissing the idea of air travel, but what about a road trip? Those numbers look bleak, too, but the significant drop in the cost of fuel may stoke the fire for those who want to get out of town.
Thirty one percent of Americans plan to hit the road this summer, down 44% from last year according to GasBuddy's 2020 Summer Travel Study. However, consumers have not completely ruled out fitting in a road trip this summer just yet. While 18% definitively said there will be no road trips, 51% still have not made a decision.
"We are starting to see a rebound in fuel demand from our Pay with GasBuddy program since mid-April," said Sarah McCrary, CEO of GasBuddy. "There could be a surge in last-minute, shorter road trips in the second half of summer as people continue to access the situation."
Seventy two percent said that COVID-19 has directly impacted their summer travel plans: taking fewer road trips than previously planned (48%), canceling trips that require flying (36%), and making shorter trips (24%).
Between U.S. regions, the percentage of people planning to take summer road trips are similar, ranging between 28-34% despite varying reopening schedules among states. The Southwest has the highest percentage (34%) of anticipated travelers, largely due to Texas, the nation's second largest state, while the Northeast saw the smallest percentage at 28%.
Low gas prices are playing a role, as the national average currently sits more than $1 per gallon cheaper than last year. For those who are planning to hit the road, 36% said the low prices are playing a factor in their decision to do so, compared to just 6% saying so the year before and 5% in 2018.
As for destinations of these road trips, 60% plan to visit friends and family, followed by to the beach or lake (38%), and a National Park (24%).