So I know gas prices suck. I also know I need it and so don't look at the pump as I do the deed.

Here's what I really don't get. People saying they can't go out on trips just b/c of that factor.
Really? You can't even justify one trip b/c of an increase?

Michael's Hypothetical Math

MPG Ave - 15
Gas cost - $4/gallon

Making each mile $0.27

Round trip from center of Phoenix toFlagstaff - 288mi (say 300)

Gas required at average = $81

Now gas at $5/gallon

MPG Ave - 15
Gas cost - $5/gallon

Making each mile $0.33

Round trip from center of Phoenix toFlagstaff - 288mi (say 300)

Gas required at average = $99

Your trip to cooler weather 2hrs away (4hrs of drive time) only cost you an extra $18. Not enough to kill the trip I'd say, especially if you have more than one person in the car.

So that means people complaining about a $0.50/gallon increase are only talking a $9 increase in total trip cost.

Also if you were at say 12MPG at $4.15 a gallon you pay less than .35 a mile making a 300 mile round trip $104.

I just think about it everytime somone says they can't leave their house for that reason even though they could justify it before. Yeah it sucks and adds up in regular drives, but as a way to get away... not much could detour me from that.

I completely agree with ya Mike. I look at it this way. I partake in a motor sport. So either way I need gas or I don't wheel. I see not wheeling as not an option so I just pay for gas and deal with it. I commute 8 miles each way to the office. So it costs me about 20 bucks a week for work in my ZJ. Last year it cost me maybe 18 bucks a week. What's the difference? Don't know.

I have however noticed in the last couple weeks that traffic too and from the office is a little lighter though.

Gas was $3 last year at this time.

$0.20
300 miles = $60

That is a $20 difference from last year. It will be a $40 difference if it goes to $5... Thats a big difference when you are carting the kids up north. But gas isn't the only thing that has gone up. Look at the cost of food lodging (most people don't do the tent thing) other... It adds up quick.

I can see why people will stay home for the week and take the kids to the pool

I got no kids. I got no pool.
I know on the hole, gas can hurt.

I understand the price problem and the general grumblings about town calculated into a rise into everyday COL. I just think it laughable for people to use what they think is a huge increase as a an excuse to stay home from fun or trips. It becomes fractions averaged out, not hundred's of dollars.
$18 as seen in a longer trip. Money that can be saved by not getting that Frap or by sleeping on the ground with me and my can of Dintymoore.

Not figuring in on breakage, our trips are insanely cheaper than those family trips paying for hotels, restaurants, and park fees.

skatchkins wrote:
Not figuring in on breakage, our trips are insanely cheaper than those family trips paying for hotels, restaurants, and park fees.

Good thing you said the part about breakage... ;)

It's not the trips that get me, it's the driving to work everyday.
I'm more than willing to spend some gas money going on a fun trip, but I hate my job and on top of that I have to pay huge gas prices to get there.....

Driving I'm not too worried about, but airfare has gotten hard. Last year Jen and the kids were able to go to Arkansas to see family for $49 each (one way). This year that same ticket is $209 (one way). Doing driving trips should actually be MORE popular for families that used to fly places.

I haven't seen a huge spike in Hotels, but I'm seeing reduction in the frequency of specials and bonus nights/point distribution.

Food is food. The price of SMOKES is killing me! Last time I went to Missouri, I smuggled 4 cartons back. A carton was $26 in Mo. That same carton, same brand is $52 here. 8|

alanzona wrote:Food is food. The price of SMOKES is killing me! Last time I went to Missouri, I smuggled 4 cartons back. A carton was $26 in Mo. That same carton, same brand is $52 here. 8|

That ain't no lie my friend. All of my parents live in the Ks/Mo area and everytime I go back I bring a few of those cheap cartons back with me.

I don't think it's the price of the cigs that is killing you daddy.

skatchkins wrote:I don't think it's the price of the cigs that is killing you daddy.

That's NCAA National Champion KANSAS to you sir. :)g)

Not now

I agree, it's the daily driving that's hurting more than the trips. Not saying that the short trips don't sound more attractive more than ever but gas prices are affecting the prices of everything.

We are looking at using the Light Rail when it's up and running. It's right outside my door and goes straight to school The all day pass is $2.50 which ends up being cheaper than driving.

As far as breakages... Bob, you're in the clear in my book. I fear breakages, too especially since the Jeep is a DD. I think if you are going to own a Jeep and pay for "goodies," it's pointless to have a Jeep unless it's actually used. If mine weren't used, I'd trade it for a Honda.

Im spending an extra $200 a month on gas right now. My commute has increased by 30 miles a day and prices have gone up a ton. That $200 came out of my entertainment budget, so nothing left for wheeling.