Gas Prices Expected to Fall During Holiday Season Budget

Gas Prices Dip Just in Time for Holiday Travel

Nearly one-third of U S population will hit the road over the next few weeks

Carolyn Franks / Alamy Stock Photo are getting an early present this year, with gas prices at their lowest levels of 2018 and fuel costs expected to remain stable for the rest of the month. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 112.5 million people will be on the move during the next few weeks, mostly by car. The national average price for unleaded gas earlier this week was $2.42, which is 28 cents cheaper than in November and four cents lower than in December of last year, according to AAA’s research. The largest price reductions occurred in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, where gas has dropped about 40 cents since November. “It means that holiday travelers will be greeted with an early gift at the pump,” says Devin Gladden of AAA. The organization projects that the national average price could drop to $2.40 a gallon by the end of the year. Of the millions who will be traveling for the holidays, 102 million will do so by car, according to AAA’s projections. The forecast of 112.5 million represents slightly more than a 4 percent increase over last year’s estimate and is the highest number since AAA began following holiday travel numbers in 2001. To help you plan your next big trip,
“Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for seasonal travel,” says Bryan Shilling, managing director for AAA Travel products and services. “With a record-breaking one-third of the country choosing to travel this holiday, roadways and airports are sure to be busy.” Because so many Americans will be on the go during the next few weeks, travelers are advised to be prepared for both longer times on highways and wintry weather. AAA says that, according to its research 46 percent of all crashes related to bad weather happen in the winter. Jumper cables and a flashlight are among the items you should have in your car’s . INRIX, a transportation analytics firm that partners with AAA, says people are likely to experience the most congestion the week before Christmas, starting on Wednesday, Dec. 19. For drivers in Atlanta, New York, Boston and Houston, travel times could be more than three times that of a normal trip, the company's report says. “Drivers must be prepared for delays in major metro areas — with Thursday, December 20, being the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Trevor Reed, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the morning commute.”

Also of Interest

AARP Travel Center Call: 1.800.675.4318 Search Flights Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Flight 2 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 3 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 4 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 5 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Add Another Flight search Search Hotels Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Room 4 Room 5 Room 6 Room 7 Room 8 search Search Packages Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date You didn't specify child's age Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Room 1 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 2 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 3 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 4 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 5 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age You have more than 6 people total Please select a trip duration less than 28 days search Search Cars Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search Search Cruises Select a valid location Select a month search Search Things to Do Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search × Let's Go Reset Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Car Rentals offers > See more Travel offers > See more Hotels & Resorts offers > See more Gas & Auto Services offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.