COLUMBUS, Ohio — Soaring gas prices are starting to impact spring break travel plans. Travelers driving and flying to their destinations are feeling the ripple effect.
"It hurts every time I fill up now, just in Columbus," said Malik Moore.
Many families are looking forward to spring vacations despite the pain at the pump. Dr. Keisha Hunley-Jenkins booked her flight to New York City in advance and got a good deal.
"I probably booked the trip in November, so the flight prices were really affordable, as were the Airbnb's, and those were affordable as well," she said.
Malik Moore, on the other hand, has a plan to save on his drive to Philadelphia.
"I'm going to opt to go around toll routes and minimize tolls altogether. That'll make up for the, you know, the expensive gas maybe," said Moore.
If you have a big group and live close to your destination, you'll spend less if you hit the road. If you're further away, are traveling with fewer people, and you don't want to be in the car forever, your best bet is to fly.
For Moore, it's not about dollars or destination, it's about safety.
"Even with it being a nine-hour drive, I knew it was a better choice. Even though I see gas prices going up, I still think it's the best choice. The last thing I want is for anybody in my house to get sick," he said.
Experts with AAA said there is no end in sight for rising fuel costs.
"Today, the national average is running at about $4.25 a gallon. Here in Ohio, it's a little bit below that it's about $4.07, for an average, for the state of Ohio," said Bill Purpura, spokesperson for AAA. "We reached $4.11 back in 2008, so now, obviously, you know, we're at $4.25 and that's a huge difference. That's likely to keep going up."
AAA recommends reducing your speed during trips and making sure that your car is properly maintained to avoid using up more fuel than you need to.