MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After the coronavirus pandemic delayed or canceled summer plans for many people last year, many West Virginians are ready to hit the road with Memorial Day marking the start of the summer travel season.
According to AAA, 55% of West Virginians plan to take a trip sometime during the summer as more people receive vaccine doses.
More places are open this summer compared to last year, but gas prices are also higher. GasBuddy.com reports the average cost for a gallon of gasoline in West Virginia is under $3.
Patrick Dehaan, GasBuddy.com’s head of petroleum analysis, said the lack of travel last year and opening economic is motivating people to travel this summer.
“Americans have more places to go many sectors of the economy have reopened,” he said. “You can even go to a ballgame, something you would not have thought of a year ago, so there are a lot more destinations Americans can drive to.”
Dehaan advised motorists to check gas prices in their destination before leaving their homes, noting a possible difference of up to 40 cents a gallon between locations.
“Keep in mind, if demand is likely to be high this summer,” he added. “Any issue when it comes to refineries or hurricanes could drive prices quite a bit higher.”