WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Expect some crowded highways this weekend and most weekends this summer.
A Gas Buddy survey found nearly 70% of users plan to take a summer road trip that involves five hours or more of driving. Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan says lower prices could be a factor, with prices in Wisconsin about 40 cents per gallon cheaper than one year ago. “Americans are spending about $175 million less on gasoline every single day,” said De Haan.
He says that means real money back in your pocket on a road trip, especially for those driving an RV or pulling a boat. “We’re not just talking about quarters and nickels. We’re talking about the real Benjamins, $10, $20 per tank. Especially if you have an RV with a 50 or 100 gallon tank, in that case we’re talking somewhere in the ballpark of $30-$40.”
But don’t be satisfied with just the year-over-year savings. De Haan says many people leave savings on the table by not signing up for loyalty programs. “A lot of these programs will roll back your price five, 10, even 25 cents. Some have sign-up offers, so if you aren’t using a loyalty app this holiday weekend, you are literally burning money.”
He says shopping around through apps like Gas Buddy or Google can also alert you to cheaper prices, especially if your trip will take you across state lines. Prices are often higher in Illinois than Wisconsin, so planning your stop on the right side of the border can mean lower prices.
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