Summary
- Current Gas Prices: Gas prices have significantly decreased, making travel more economical.
- Reasons for Price Drop: Factors include lower oil prices and minimal hurricane activity.
- Top Affordable Road Trip Destinations: Discover beautiful spots for autumn foliage.
Fall Road Trips Made Affordable with Lower Gas Prices
Gas prices have continued to drop, averaging well under $4 nationally — making fall road trips more affordable.
The national price of gas has dropped to an average of $3.77 per gallon, according to AAA — a significant decrease from just three months ago when gas reached an all-time high in the United States, averaging more than $5 per gallon.
The lower prices are due to a combination of lower oil prices, “modest” demand in the U.S., and what has so far been a quiet hurricane season. Weather analysts note that it’s the first time in 25 years a named Atlantic storm did not develop in August. This is good news; however, there still remains one month of peak hurricane season. These storms can affect gas prices by disrupting oil production and refining.
Regional Price Changes
The largest weekly decreases have been observed in Vermont, where gas dropped 15 cents per gallon. Similarly, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania have seen a decrease of 14 cents per gallon each. For those looking for the least expensive states to fill up, Texas and Arkansas are the winners, both averaging $3.25 per gallon.
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Planning Your Fall Road Trip
The lower gas prices, which have been trending down for several months, come just in time for travelers eager to embark on fall road trips. Revel in the beauty of autumn leaves and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
Drive through New England to experience local fall festivals and some of the best leaf peeping in the country. Alternatively, consider heading to Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains for stunning foliage without frigid temperatures.
Outdoor Activities Await
Make your way to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, America’s newest national park, to enjoy fishing, hiking, and yes — witnessing the leaves change. For camping enthusiasts, there are breathtaking destinations like Montana’s Glacier National Park, particularly rewarding in October, or Acadia National Park in Maine.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for iBestTravel. When she’s not in New York City, she enjoys spending time at the beach or exploring new destinations, with the aspiration to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
