Falling Gas Prices Fuel Expectations for Record Holiday Travel

Mathew Alvarez is excited to drive more than 100 miles from Los Angeles to Tehachapi, Calif., to visit his family this Fourth of July, encouraged by gasoline prices well below last year’s levels. 

The 36-year-old machinist didn’t spend time with his family during the holiday last year, mainly because of record-high gas prices. That prompted him to sell his Volkswagen Jetta in December for a hybrid Ford Escape. Each fill-up now costs him $15 every week instead of $60.

“I am actually more comfortable to go see my family now,” Alvarez said. “I can save up a lot more on gasoline, and I don’t have to worry about commuting or going to see my friends in the city.” 

Alvarez is just one of the motorists planning to hit the road Tuesday, when AAA forecasts a record 43.2 million Americans will travel by car. That is about 4% higher than the previous all-time high of 41.5 million in 2019.