Record number to travel Memorial Day despite spike in gas prices

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – There will be a record high number of Californians traveling this Memorial Day weekend, despite the recent spike in gas prices.

Here’s a look at that spike.

Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.96 a gallon.

Last week, it was $3.90 and last month it was $3.18.

It jumped 78 cents in just a month, but the increase apparently isn’t keeping Californians from a holiday getaway.

According to the Automobile Club of Southern California, more than 2.7 million Southern Californians and 4.4 million residents statewide will enjoy a long getaway this weekend.

That’s a 4.6 percent increase from last year.

Car travel is expected to go up about 5 percent, while air travel is expected to rise nearly 3 percent compared to last year.

So while consumers are finding creative ways around the recent price increase for gas, experts say now might be the best time to fill-up before the holiday hits.

Triple-A Officials said the numbers show that Southern Californians are feeling confident about spending money on travel.

According to a recent survey, America’s finest city is the number one Memorial Day destination for Southern California travelers.