We took our semi-annual trip to AZ in Feb-Mar. The round trip was 2,300 miles at 8.2 mpg average. Gas averaged $3.10 or 40 cents/gal more than the last time we went. So we spent about $112 more for gas than last year. That amount would not discourage me from doing something we enjoy. If gas goes up to $4/gal, I will have to pay another $250 to take the same trip. I think the annual increase in my wife's SS benefit alone will cover that and more trips besides. I agree with the previous posters who put the value of the experience over the cost, as long as it is not totally unreasonable. Life costs money. Make your choices. Given the mess of the world, there is no reason to expect fuel prices will trend lower, so stop fretting and determine to find enjoyment. In my opinion, we should all be happy that when we want to get fuel, it is available-not rationed, and at a price that is lower than most of the rest of the world.
By all means, find and enjoy the local treasures close by your home as well. Just don't discount trips that will have lifelong meaning and memories to your children to save a few hundred dollars.
2005 Dolphin 35' (our 8th RV), Workhorse 8.1L, '07 Chevy HHR Toad
Stowmaster towbar, ReadyBrake
'43 wife (ver. 1.0.837), '94 cat
1/3 time in RV - 1/3 time fixing stuff - 1/3 time looking for my stuff
This question has been asked a lot lately, most are like oldflyer and think that their increase in SS payment pays for the increase in gas costs. Mine doesn't, my increase in any monthly income is over taken by the costs of fuel going up, and the increase in my health premiums. the costs of fuel affects every thing, food prices to the farmer, the truckers etc. I see that this post the thoughts of not going any where or staying closer to home out weighs the I don't give a darns and really sound like the thoughts of more Americans in the long run.
We are in the same boat. We wanted to travel out west this year but changed our minds due to fuel costs. Here are some nice places in PA that we like. Twin Grove KOA just north of Lebanon has a nice campground and a new pool. Knoebels is always good but we no longer camp in Knoebels we go down rt 487 a bit to J&D Campground. Much bigger sites and full hook ups. We might check out some of the campgrounds in the Lancaster area. We are also booked at Ives Run near Mansfield close to the PA Grand Canyon. As for the shore we use to like Ocean City but have found from our area that Wildwood NJ is just as nice and closer.
Mike and Donna 2005 Chevy 2500HD 2009 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
there is a neat calculator on Mapquest for trip costs: http://gasprices.mapquest.com/featurepage.jsp?featurepage=about.jsp
Just figuring the cost of me travelling to/from Destin Florida from last year to this, my cost will have increased approximately $100 more. I have already cut back my cell phone plan drastically, cancelled my garbage pick-up service (I put garbage in my company's dumpster -- yes I have permission!), and went to a lower-price cable service.
Come on down and visit us, We are planning to head up to your neck of the woods this summer. That will leave an extra site free for all our PA friends. Have a great camping season..
I know the Ocean City area is popular,but for a slightly slower pace, you have Rehoboth Beach, The town of Lewes, and Bethany Beach. All with nice wide (recently replenished)sandy beaches.
Don't like the view?? Then change it and Go Camping
If I drive 4000 miles and gas is 3.50 a gal. I drive my normal 65-75 MPH I spend about $1,700. I get about 8.25 mpg @ 70 MPH. Now, if gas hits $4 a gal and I slow down to 55 MPH the same 4000 mile trip cost $1,777 because my milage goes up to 9 mpg at 55 MPH. so it will take me longer to get there but, I'll get there.
99 Chev Crew Cab DRW 4x4 7.4L gasser
03 Lance 1010
The North Shore of Long Island, NY
Since you live so close, you might've already done this but......We stopped for 3 days in Gettysburg last week on our way home from Fla. We had been there in the early 80's with our kids, but this time meant much more after having read "Killer Angels" and seeing the movie Gettysburg. There is something to be said for looking down the side of Little Round Top and visualizing Chamberlain's downhill charge and the field over which Pickett charged into musket and cannon fire. Camp on!
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