Memorial Day Travel Is About to Get Much More Expensive — Here’s How Smart Families Are Adapting in 2026
- Christianne Klein
- May 12
- 3 min read
As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, there’s one thing almost everyone is noticing before they even leave the driveway: gas prices.
And not just a little.
As of mid-May 2026, the national average for gas has surged above $4.50 per gallon - the highest levels Americans have seen since the summer of 2022 - right as a record-breaking 45 million people are expected to travel for the holiday weekend. According to AAA, nearly 40 million of them will be driving.
For families already juggling hotel prices, airfare, rising restaurant costs, and summer travel budgets, filling up the tank suddenly feels like a major financial decision again.
As someone who spends a huge part of the year traveling with my family for FoodFamilyTravel.com, I’ve learned that high gas prices don’t necessarily stop people from traveling - but they absolutely change how people travel.
And honestly? Memorial Day weekend may still be one of the best times to rethink what a “great vacation” actually looks like.
For years, Americans have been conditioned to believe travel has to mean giant resorts, expensive flights, packed itineraries, and long-haul vacations. But some of our most memorable family experiences have happened much closer to home - often within driving distance. We love balanced luxury travel.
When gas prices spike like this, travelers naturally start becoming more intentional.
Instead of trying to cram three cities into four days, families are staying longer in one destination. Instead of expensive tourist traps, they’re discovering local parks, neighborhood restaurants, street festivals, scenic drives, and walkable downtowns. And in many ways, that slower pace creates a far richer experience.
Ironically, some of the best “budget travel hacks” right now aren’t glamorous at all.
They’re practical.
Leave early in the morning to avoid sitting in fuel-burning traffic. Choose hotels in walkable neighborhoods so you aren’t constantly paying for parking and rideshares (and use public transportation if you're in a big city like New York). Build one or two memorable meals into the trip instead of overspending all weekend. And if you’re traveling with kids, remember that children often remember experiences, not price tags.
One of our favorite things to do in a new city saves money, is incredibly simple and, really, is just how we love to explore: we try to do at least one “street food picnic” in every city we visit.
In New York City, that might mean grabbing hot dogs or pizza slices and eating in Central Park while watching the skyline. In Chicago, it’s Chicago-style hot dogs near Millennium Park or along the lakefront. In Nashville, hot chicken or barbecue eaten outdoors while listening to live music somehow becomes an important and beautiful experience for the whole family.
Travel doesn’t have to stop because gas prices are high. But this Memorial Day weekend may force many Americans to become smarter, more creative travelers - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Of course, there’s also a much bigger conversation happening around why prices are rising so dramatically.
Much of the current spike is tied to global instability and oil market concerns surrounding the Iran conflict, which analysts say has created a major “war premium” on fuel prices. While politicians are debating a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, experts point out that the federal tax itself is only about 18 cents per gallon - a tiny fraction of the overall increase drivers are currently paying.
And here’s something many travelers don’t realize: gas taxes vary dramatically by state.
California drivers are currently paying some of the highest prices in the country, averaging more than $6 per gallon in some areas, while states with lower taxes and lower transportation costs remain far more affordable for road trips.
That matters more than ever when families are mapping out summer vacations.
But regardless of politics or policy debates, one thing is clear: Americans still desperately want to travel.
After years of lockdowns, uncertainty, canceled trips, inflation, and nonstop stress, people are prioritizing experiences again - even when it costs more.
And honestly, I understand it.
Some of our family’s most meaningful moments have happened while traveling together.
Watching our daughter learn history while standing in Lower Manhattan, seeing wildlife in Australia, discovering art in museums, or simply sitting together watching the ocean after a long travel day - those moments become part of your family story.
Gas prices may change how we get there this summer. But I don’t think they’re going to stop Americans from going.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
For more tips, trends, and inspiration, be sure to follow FoodFamilyTravel.com on social
Instagram: @food.family.travel
Tiktok: @FoodFamilyTravel
