Labor Day Holiday Travel Decreases Despite Drop in Gas Prices

Gas prices have dipped a bit, but fewer travelers are expected to hit the road this Labor Day weekend.

According to AAA, about 320,000 fewer Americans will travel more than 50 miles from their home this weekend, partly due to gas prices.

The national average for regular unleaded gas is $3.69 per gallon, Oregon's average is $3.87.

AAA says it's a big improvement since the Fourth of July holiday when Oregon's average was $4.29 a gallon.

They also say because gas prices are dropping below $4 a gallon, this weekend's travel numbers won't be as bad as they once expected.

More than 29 million Americans will hit the road this Labor Day weekend, down one percent from last year.

Many are saying it's because of the high gas and diesel prices..

"I probably wouldn't drive out because I just couldn't afford it," said Ron Pope, of Medford.

"A lot of people I know used to cost $40 to fill their tank, now it costs $80 to fill their tank, so they're not wanting to do anything," said Will Smith of Medford.

"I had already made my plans didn't really change them when the gas prices shot up but ya, it hurts," said Brian Wiebe, who is driving from Washington to California.

Some are making some major changes to their plans.

"We're not traveling as much as we wanted to go to alaska budgeted about $4,000 to make trip, but now its about $7,000 so we aren't going," said Ron and Jen Poe.

AAA says despite the decrease, it's a big improvement over the Fourth of July hliday. They say it's a response to a slight dip in gas prices but some say, what's the difference?

"The difference between $3.89 and $4 is not a lot still a lot takes a little bit of the sting off," said Wiebe.

Cypress Grove RV Park in Gold Hill is booked solid for the Labor Day weekend and managers say they're surprised.

"Thought it would hurt most people would who came say it would likely to be last trip because of the gas prices," said Nadine Maciel, a manager for Cypress Grove RV Park.

Ron and Jen Poe have spent the last month traveling in their motorhome.

"We find it difficult but if you're gonna do it you gotta bite the bullet and spend the money," Ron said.

They're trying to drive less and say others are probably doing the same.

"They're going to sites and they're staying longer, not traveling as much on road spend a night less spend a week or a month. That's what we're doing," said Ron.

Even though the price of gas has dropped a bit in the past few weeks.

AAA says motorists are still paying $1 a-gallon more than last year.