For several years now we have heard our families and friends talk about planning their vacations at a destination closer to home or even staying in their hometown enjoying local activities and attractions. We’ve even planned a few ourselves to save money. These vacation plans are generally known as, staycation or stacation.
I’m wondering how many people have actually made a big switch to plan staycation every year as compared to those saving and spending loads of cash for far-away activities? Is the nation’s bleak economy, rising taxes, lack of unemployment or underemployment for some, high gas and food prices for all, major reasons for shaping our decisions to go outside the city limits or stay? If more and more people are taking advantage of visiting local attractions and enjoying local activities every year then why would the demand for gas continue going up in the spring and summer months? And what about staying home? Are we really saving money on gas when we’re stuck in a traffic jam everyday because of road constructions or a tractor-trailer loaded with tons of food has overturned? There’s no doubt that these situations do have a positive benefit to our local economies. Sometimes, though, it could be cheaper for us to just get out-of-town, don’t you think?
Traffic Congestion (Photo credit: freefotouk)
According to The Washington Post article:
Why the seasonal spike? It’s the time of year refineries reduce output to repair equipment and start making a cleaner, more expensive blend of gasoline for summer.
Since 2000, pump prices have risen every year between early February and late May. The annual increase has boosted prices by 27 percent on average, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. This year, prices have risen 14 percent, or 48 cents per gallon, since Feb. 1.
“There’s always built-in increase, and it’s going to be accentuated this year,” said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service.
So, now we know what’s really the cause of high prices at the pump, when the weather turns nice and we want to shake off cabin fever. Or do we?
You cannot win for losing. It cost me $55 to fill up my car. I try to do many things at a time when I use it. Food shopping, cloth, doctors, etc. I have tried taking public transportation but they raised the prices and cut the services. Tried local activities and events prices raised as well. Baseball, football, hockey, ballet, music halls have all raised their prices. Everything has gone up so much beause of one little thing. GAS PRICES. What I have done regarding vacations it to take many small trips of one day or three to five days to local or neighboring states and went my motor coach. I find this to be enjoyable for me in my retirement years. Thank you for your post.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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