Record Number Of Iowans Traveling For Memorial Day Despite Gas

Looks like the summer of great decisions already.

Let's review the facts we and our wallets know too well at this point: the average gas price in Iowa right now is $4.31, which is up 46% from this time last year.

Driving (especially interstate driving) can get expensive fast.

So then why are an estimated 3 million people in the Midwest planning on driving for their travel method over Memorial Day weekend?

Unsplash

It's not surprising most of Iowa and the Midwest are driving to their destinations- we'll take an 11-hour drive over a flight.

If You're Gonna Do It, Here's How

If you're ignoring the giant price signs at the gas station, here's how experts recommend you get that much-needed mini-vacation.

Budget for it, obviously.

And don't get a lead foot. Drive under 55 as much as you can (wind resistance picks up after that).

Nick Jarmusz, Regional Director of Public Affairs for AAA, said:

If you look at the total budget of what it takes to travel, especially if you look at overnight hotel stays and food, there are other ways to economize in your trip to absorb those higher gas prices...There’s a direct connection between gas pedal and gas pump. If you stay closer to the speed limit, you’ll spend less on gas than if you’re going 10 or 15 miles an hour over the speed limit

Another recommendation is to drive a few miles out of the way for gas instead of just stopping somewhere right there on the interstate or main road.

And finally: don't drive like a moron. Jackrabbit starts and weaving in-and-out of traffic can lower your gas mileage by as much as 30-40%.