Charles Crane/MDN The marquee at the Racers convenience store on Saturday. Gas prices are expected to rise to an average $4.65 per gallon heading into Memorial Day Weekend.

Memorial Day is on the horizon, which usually kicks off the road trip season in the United States. But fuel prices are weighing heavily on the minds of Americans, cutting into their potential holiday plans. After a small reprieve in April, gasoline prices have steadily risen in recent weeks, with the average price in all fifty states breaking $4.00/gallon for the first time. According to the fuel savings platform GasBuddy, Memorial Day commuters should expect to see average prices of $4.65/gallon, a 51% increase from one year ago.

“This is the most expensive Memorial Day weekend we’ve ever seen.” said GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan on a Facebook Live stream Thursday morning.

A majority of Americans do plan to go road tripping over the pricy Memorial Day weekend, due to many putting off vacation plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are itching to hit the road. AAA North Dakota Director Gene Laducer said that there is still a great deal of demand for travel this summer despite fuel prices.

“People have put them off the last few years, and want to take a vacation.” Laducer said. “They may have to adjust or shorten their plans to be able to take the vacation and afford it.”

Those adjustments could mean staying with family or camping on their trips in lieu of staying at hotels and resorts, as inflation drives an increase in all prices beyond just filling their gas tanks. While the high prices may not actually lower the demand for fuel, two-thirds of those surveyed by GasBuddy are uncertain of their plans as the range and distance available to them diminishes with the rising prices. California prices, which average over $6/gallon, could be coming for all of us by the beginning of August according to projections from JP Morgan analysts. Some national gas chains have even reportedly added another digit to their pumps in anticipation of $10/gallon gas down the road. Where and when commuters will go, from July 4 and beyond, is still up in the air.

Stephanie Shoenrock, executive director of Visit Minot, said the outlook for tourism in Minot and North Dakota is actually optimistic.

“Our sources don’t expect fuel prices to affect tourism in North Dakota. There might be less cross-country road trips than we’re used to seeing but regular regional tourism shouldn’t be impacted.” Shoenrock said, “We’re actually expecting an increase in Canadians coming down since our gas is cheaper.”

No matter how it is sliced, the decisions of all consumers and commuters are being impacted significantly by the daily increases in price at the pump and on store shelves. Some may have the choice made for them if they are unable to afford to fill their tanks, and instead choose options closer to home. Anticipating this, North Dakota Tourism sent out a release yesterday showcasing the best drives across the state, directing travelers to visit destinations like Medora, the Peace Gardens, and Lake Sakakawea.

“Even if gas prices are higher, North Dakota is cheaper than 40 other states. People can come here to get away from higher prices, traffic and congestion, and enjoy the great outdoors.” Laducer concurred, “Our entertainment options are cheaper than most metro areas.”

It remains to be seen if these projections will hold out, as the pain inflicted on pocketbooks could shift one way or the other as dictated by current events.