Memorial Day Weekend Travel Costs Surge Amid Rising Gas Prices
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Americans are facing higher travel costs due to a significant increase in gas prices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, gas prices rose by 5.4% in April and have increased by 28.4% over the past year. Despite these hikes, approximately 45 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home, with 39.1 million opting for road trips. The cost of cookouts is also expected to rise due to increased prices for beef, tomatoes, and drinks. Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, noted that price hikes are unavoidable for summer activities, including road trips and backyard barbecues.