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.
The spill in the Gulf has not resulted in any gas price jumps at the pumps. RVers everywhere are excited about this as they don’t want their summer travel limited by high fuel costs. Class A and Class C recreational vehicles have fairly high gas consumption, but they offer luxurious road travel options for a significant number of people making them an affordable choice even considering fuel costs (especially when vacationers compare the costs of RV travel to airfare and hotel accommodations).
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 will always fluctuate. But expert predictions give RVers reason to relax when thinking about planning summer travel in 2010. The prices of gas should remain steady making RV travel a fantastic choice. For those who want to fully take advantage of the economical advantage of RV travel the following should be considered: trips close to home, trips with extended stays in one spot, and lightweight RVs that can be hitched to small to midsized vehicles.
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.
Gas prices don’t typically limit consumer travel until they pass $3.00/gallon. This summer RVers are planning on traveling. Some are going to enjoy short trips on their region while others are planning on nationwide or even international travel. Regardless of the amount of travel RVers should watch for summer incentives available that will decrease trip costs like the fee free weekends offered by national parks.
2010 RV travel isn’t being limited by high gas prices. RVers love the open road just as much as they always have. Class A motorhomes, Class C RVs, lightweight travel trailers…any RV can be the home away from home that makes a trip into an ultimate vacation.
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