Cancelling vacations (gas prices)

[buttrfli]

Anyone else out there considering canceling their summer vacation because of gas prices?

I have till mid June to get a full refund on our teepee reservations if we cancel. I am probably going to wait until the last minute to see what happens.

Not sure what we will do instead :thumpdown:

[MistyWolf]

Nope .. life is too short and I am going to enjoy my vacation.

[MistyWolf]

Oh and another thing, I have non-refundable plane tickets (I am also renting a car and planning a 6 hour drive to Key West, which is paid for (the hotel) but may reconsider that part as it gets closer) .. I'd have to pay $50 each to change my tickets for another date so I may as well just use them now.

[lisahiser]

We sat the kids down last night and told them that we were not going to be able to go to Lousiana to see the family this summer. We wont be going down there now until Thanksgiving probably unless by some mircle gas prices go back to $2 or less. We planned on going there for July 4th but with these gas prices, that will put us way off our budget. We were even thinking about going to Florida but thats not happening either.
We are going to have to go somewhere a little closer to home. But then again the kids didnt really care they just want to find someplace that has roller coasters........ - lol
I think it hurt me and my fiance more than it did them....

[iluvmybaby]

Whats a vacation :confused: Gas will never be down to under $2 a gallon again, when we went on a trip, we rented a small economy car. I know that enterprise has a deal, 3 days for half the price. It cost us $50 unlimited miles for a Chevy Cobolt, it got 30 MPG. For 1500 miles, it cost us about 100 in gas. If you cant afford to drive, take a greyhound or the amtrack or fly, you can pick up cheap tickets if you plan far enough ahead

I know I drive an older car, for a 500 mile trip I ended up spending about $60, I get 23.3 miles a gallon. It is ruff, I live in a rural town where you have to drive at least 15 or 20 minutes to even go grocery shopping or go get a burger

[DBackFan]

Nope .. life is too short and I am going to enjoy my vacation.

My thoughts exactly. Vacations are an important part of my life. :driver:

[Specialk]

I will be taking my vacation next week, going to Sacramento to see my Mom as I havent seen her in 8 months. Was thinking of driving up to see her, but with the cost of gas-NO WAY!!! So, I looked around online and was able to get a round trip airline ticket for only $117... So, I did good, that will be my vacation. All I had to do was book my reservation two weeks ahead of time. Southwest Airlines is having such good deals running right now, so you might want to check it out and perhaps save alot more money that way.

[okie]

We were going to go some where out of state but we will probably just go some where in state now.

[Quaker_Parrots]

We sat the kids down last night and told them that we were not going to be able to go to Lousiana to see the family this summer. We wont be going down there now until Thanksgiving probably unless by some mircle gas prices go back to $2 or less. We planned on going there for July 4th but with these gas prices, that will put us way off our budget. We were even thinking about going to Florida but thats not happening either.
We are going to have to go somewhere a little closer to home. But then again the kids didnt really care they just want to find someplace that has roller coasters........ - lol
I think it hurt me and my fiance more than it did them....


There is always Michigan Adventure, lol.

[lisahiser]

There is always Michigan Adventure, lol.

LOL we actually discussed that and maybe going to six flags or cedar point, and there is a water park, I think near Michigan Adventure too.
My oldest son and I went to Michigan Adventure last year for his 4th grade field trip. We had such a great time!
We went to Indiana Beach last year for summer vacation. It was a blast we stayed 3 days there camping and did one day at the park. I think we actually had more fun camping their than anything.

[nightrider127]

No we wont be cancelling our vacation. We work hard all year and I feel we deserve a nice vacation. All work and no play is not good for a person. We have been planning our vacation for months and I am not going to cancel out now.

[galeane29]

Vacation? ...whats that?

We usualy head up to Tennessee or Florida in the Fall or Winter to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with family ...thats our vacation. My husband being a dump truck driver ...late in the year is when things slow down so then we can take a break.

[jedmatters]

Touring colleges for my son this summer.
That just seems to outweigh any gas price.
Plus a camping trip, just for fun.

But, I would rather use my car and the gas, then sit in my house and stare at the walls for vacation time I worked hard for.

I can travel cheap: pack the icechest with drinks, carry bread and chips and some peanut butter: few stops for food.

But, yes I plan on travelling.

[MsLynn]

gas actually went down here, from a high of $3.29, I paid $3.12 this morning

[batrypk]

We canceled our trip this year due to the gas prices.

[myashley89]

the morning news here said most were selling for 3.49, but there was one selling it for 3.09...a little competition going on maybe?? Not sure if it went down thru the day tho

and we didn't have a vacation planned for this year anyway, so nothing to cancel, might have to cut my trips to moms tho :(

[Lori63]

We are going to the Outer Banks-about a 5 hour drive. We've been there probably 7 or 8 times, didn't go anywhere last year, and I am extremely frugal in other aspects of our lives, so we are going!
I have a 2004 Toyota Sienna and it has good gas mileage, so I am not going to worry about it.

[country60]

We were going to Hendersonville, TN. to surprise my little Bro. But, now with gas so high...Ain't no way.

[nightrider127]

You know what? This thread is sad. People work hard all year long and then can't afford to get away from the stress and strain of everyday life.

[buttrfli]

Nope .. life is too short and I am going to enjoy my vacation.

I wish I could afford to say that. I saved for a year for the money to go and if prices don't go down, I can't afford the gas to go.

I am kinda preparing the kids now... 'just in case'. Trying to find things out of town, but not out of state.

[mom2cvam]

We were planning on taking the kids to visit family in Tennessee but now we can't afford to with the price of gas. We loved going to Gatlinburg while visiting hubby's cousin and we had really hoped to go this summer. It sucks that we can't do it now. :( I really wish that we could afford it but its just not possible.

[buttrfli]

We were planning on taking the kids to visit family in Tennessee but now we can't afford to with the price of gas. We loved going to Gatlinburg while visiting hubby's cousin and we had really hoped to go this summer. It sucks that we can't do it now. :( I really wish that we could afford it but its just not possible.

I hear ya :(

Well we are going to do SOMETHING... we are not just going to cancel the entire vacation... just change destinations :)

[whatever]

we just go camping. Husband works at a marina so he works alot of hours in summer. We go camping alot. But that's getting pretty expensive when you use a 3/4 ton with big block:thumpdown: But at least after july we have no more payments:)

[MistyWolf]

Well I hope gas prices come down some and we can all go on the anticipated vacations that we save all year for.

It would actually cost me more in the long run to cancel since I all ready paid for plane tickets .. and we may have to eat bologna sandwiches and microwave mac and cheese while we are in FLA, but I'll still be there.

[nightrider127]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Governor Strickland and 16 other Democratic governors are urging President Bush to do something about high gasoline prices.

In a letter, the governors say talk is much cheaper than gas prices, and now is the time for action.

They want Bush to work with Congress on legislation that would define and penalize gas-price gouging. Strickland and his colleagues also are asking that federal agencies look into whether fuel producers are violating antitrust or commodities laws. And, they're asking the president to help pressure oil companies so they'll use some of their profits to resolve refinery problems that have pinched gasoline supplies.


I C&P this from our local CBS affliates web site. Could there be a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us?

The nightrider crosses her fingers.

[PrincessArky]

we had planned a nice few day vacation that looks to be off if prices don't go down which stinks because we already had to postpone our BIG international trip because of lack of funds. I am 35 and I have only ever had one vacation which wasn't really much of a vacation but still was nicer than being home

[Shann]

I really don't have a vacation planned, I just wanted to hopefully see my mom and family after I graduate in August. I have a friend that lives in Minneapolis who said he'd pay half of my fare if I flew in to visit him. I figured if I was in Iowa, I could make the trek up to see him. :p But no, I wouldn't hold the price of gas against going, I barely get out now, I would find other ways to cut spending so I could afford to go... but that is why I'm going to school, so hopefully I can get a good job and not ever have to worry about things like this. I hope everyone is able to do something for vacation. :)

[mosdata1]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Governor Strickland and 16 other Democratic governors are urging President Bush to do something about high gasoline prices.

In a letter, the governors say talk is much cheaper than gas prices, and now is the time for action.

They want Bush to work with Congress on legislation that would define and penalize gas-price gouging. Strickland and his colleagues also are asking that federal agencies look into whether fuel producers are violating antitrust or commodities laws. And, they're asking the president to help pressure oil companies so they'll use some of their profits to resolve refinery problems that have pinched gasoline supplies.


I C&P this from our local CBS affliates web site. Could there be a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us?

The nightrider crosses her fingers.

I love the fact that they are trying to do this, but Bush said he would veto any bill like that coming across his desk. I must say, I never saw a pres who cared so very little about the people he is SUPPOSED to be representing.

[PrincessArky]

I love the fact that they are trying to do this, but Bush said he would veto any bill like that coming across his desk. I must say, I never saw a pres who cared so very little about the people he is SUPPOSED to be representing.

EXACTLY I have yet to see him do one GOOD thing for any of us average joes

[YankeeMary]

I love the fact that they are trying to do this, but Bush said he would veto any bill like that coming across his desk. I must say, I never saw a pres who cared so very little about the people he is SUPPOSED to be representing.

You took the words tight out of my mouth. Nicely put. Its quite sad isn't it. Lots of his "followers" are really starting to see things for what they truly are.

[RNB16]

This is crazy and exactly why I cannot afford to bring my kids down to see family this weekend!!! Now I have to explain to a 4 yr old why she can't see her Grandparents for her 5th Birthday.


We're Number 1! Michigan gas prices move skyward to top spot


Despite a slight dip in the nation's gasoline prices overnight, Michigan motorists saw costs rise at the pump Friday morning, giving the state the dubious distinction of having the highest prices in America.

AAA's www.fuelgaugereport.com Web site reports that the national average for gasoline declined 0.2 cents to an average of $3.225 a gallon. It was the first time in 12 days that fuel prices fell.

But as Michigan vacationers prepare to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, they were again greeted with higher gas prices Friday. The Michigan average rose about 2 cents to $3.53 a gallon, marking another record for the state.

Michigan surpassed Illinois ($3.52), California ($3.43) and Hawaii ($3.40), which were the states with higher prices earlier in the week.

Some of the highest prices in Michigan, as posted by consumers on the Web site www.MichiganGasPrices.com, include $3.75 a gallon at several stations in Harrison and between $3.65 and $3.69 in places like Paradise, Muskegon and Mt. Pleasant.

"I don't see any possible justification for prices being this high," said Jim Rink, a spokesman of AAA Michigan in Dearborn. "It seems to be a Midwest phenomenon, which suggests that there may be some refinery issues that serve the region."

Valero Energy Corp. recently shut down refinery production by 30,000 barrels a day at one of its Texas facilities, just one of several refineries across the nation that have experienced problems.

“The short answer is supply, because it is very hard to supply the Mid-Continent,” said Mark Routt, a petroleum analyst with Energy Security Analysis Inc. in Wakefield, Mass. "We're talking about location and there are very few other ways to supply the demand in the Midwest other than the few refineries in the area. If you can't make it there, you've got to ship it in."

The number of refineries in the nation has declined from a high of 315 in 1976 to fewer than 140 today.

Michigan's only refinery, owned and operated by Marathon Petroleum Co., is located in Detroit and refines about 100,000 barrels of crude a day.

"Lack of supply and higher demand means prices go up," Routt said.

To add to the confusion, Michigan and several other Midwest states are required to produce special summer-blend gasoline to meet federal and state emissions requirements for clean air.

The Great Lakes states - Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin - have different legal requirements for the formulation of their summer gasolines.

In the case of Southeast Michigan, the specialty boutique fuel used for the summer driving season is a reformulated gasoline (RFG).

The prime factor increasing the number of fuel blends throughout the nation was the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 provision that requires certain areas to use federal RFG.

As a result, refineries that supply the regions that require specialty summer gas have to work harder to supply both RFG and non-RFG markets.

Oil prices, meanwhile, continue to rise on fears that a growing crisis in Nigeria could affect petroleum distribution from the oil-producing African nation.

July delivery of crude oil - the feedstock for gasoline - rose 69 cents to $64.87 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange in Europe at midday.

Nigerian oil workers went on strike Thursday in Nigeria to protest the government's planned sale of government-owned refineries.

To find cheap gas in your neighborhood, go to http://aaa.opisnet.com.

For a complete map of the areas in the country required to produce reformulated gasoline, go to www.epa.gov/otaq/rfg/whereyoulive.htm.

Contact ALEJANDRO BODIPO-MEMBA at 313-222-5008 or [email protected].

Copyright © 2007 Detroit Free Press Inc.

[stresseater]

Well like I keep saying... don't like the oil prices thank a greenie.

The number of refineries in the nation has declined from a high of 315 in 1976 to fewer than 140 today. Because back in the 70's the greenies got a foothold and got legislation passed making it unprofitable to open new refineries or operate the existing refineries at full capacity. They don't want to fund the drilling in Alaska either. They are trying to rectify the problem with H.R.3893 but it seems to be stalled out in the senate. Hmmm wonder why? :burnout:

[Jolie Rouge]

Oil prices lose more than $2 a barrel
By J.W. ELPHINSTONE, AP Business Writer
Tue May 29, 6:07 PM ET

NEW YORK - Oil prices plunged by more than $2 a barrel Tuesday on hopes that the inauguration of a new president in OPEC member Nigeria would contribute to a stable supply from the Niger Delta region.

A formal meeting over the weekend between U.S. and Iranian officials also soothed traders' concerns about a potential conflict between the two countries.

Light, sweet crude for July delivery dropped $2.05 to settle at $63.15 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Before the long weekend, U.S. crude oil climbed more than $1 to $65.20 Friday. Monday there was no floor trade and no closing price in the U.S. because of the Memorial Day holiday.

Brent futures for July lost $1.58 to close at $68.15 a barrel on London's ICE Futures exchange. "We're pulling the plug. It's certainly a big drop, a material drop in price," said Tim Evans, an energy analyst at Citigroup Global Markets. "Basically, the new president is calling for Nigerian unity. He's waving the olive branch and it makes us feel more secure regarding Nigerian oil supplies."

Umaru Yar'Adua, 56, was sworn in Tuesday as the new Nigerian president, replacing Olusegun Obasanjo who stepped down after eight years. It marked the first successful transfer of power from one elected government to another in Africa's most populous country with a history of long years of military rule.

In his inaugural address, Yar'Adua called for an immediate end to hostilities in the country's southern oil region. The main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, said they are considering the request. The group had earlier rejected all calls to lay down arms until their demands were met.

Also, Nigerian labor union officials ordered oil workers back to work Saturday after the government agreed to a 15 percent raise for all employees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Co. The unions began the strike Thursday and threatened to target exports in hopes of reversing the sale of government refineries.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran met for four hours on Monday about Iraqi security, marking the first formal meeting between the two countries in 27 years. Iranian Ambassador Hassan Kazemi Qomi told The Associated Press that the two sides would meet again in less than a month. U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said Washington would decide only after the Iraqi government issued an invitation.

Tension between the West and Iran has increased over the past months as Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment program. Traders and analysts fear any conflict between the U.S. and Iran could result in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which tankers ship carry about 17 million barrels of crude oil a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In other trading, gasoline futures fell 10.58 cents to settle at $2.2979 a gallon after several refineries restarted on Tuesday. Dow Jones Newswires reported that Alliance Oil's refinery in Belle Chasse, La., and Valero Energy Corp.'s refinery Delaware City, Del., are both restarting. Together, the refineries process 428,500 barrels of crude oil a day.

Traders had bid up futures prices before the Memorial Day holiday, the unofficial kickoff to the summer driving season. However, retail gasoline prices fell last week, the Energy Information Administration reported.

The average retail price for gasoline dipped less than a penny to $3.209 a gallon from $3.218 a gallon in the previous week. Prices, though, are still 34.2 cents higher than a year ago.

Heating oil futures slipped 7.01 cents to finish at $1.8690 a gallon on the Nymex, while natural gas prices fell 4.9 cents to $7.591 per 1,000 cubic feet.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070529/ap_on_bi_ge/oil_prices;_ylt=AsoQ.ka60yZjBGgikfkIFiKs0NUE

[tommyjo]

well, my family owns a FEW OIL WELLS in the mid west, are they getting rich? no they are not, i am paying 3.45 today but refuse to deny myself a vacation that i have earned.
i spent the last 8 years driving to CA from WA because my inlaws were elderly and ill. they have both passed now and my hubby has decided it is MY turn now to go where I want.. so we are going to.

[Willow]

Kevin and I were supposed to go to Pennsylvania for a few days a couple of weeks ago. We had to cancel but it wasn't due to the gas prices. We are going Father's day weekend instead. We are going to Hershey Park and Lancaster County. I've always wanted to see the Amish people.

[buttrfli]

So far we haven't talked much about it.

I did talk to the kids and we came up with some alternatives. The best one is that we still go on vacation, but instead of visiting the water park, we go swimming in the river.. and use that extra $$ for gas lol (my 9 y/o came up with that one lol)

Since we are going with another family, its not all my decision, so we will see.

[julie604]

The price of gas at the nearest station was $3.04 on Monday. Today it was $3.01. I was surprised but won't be surprised if it doesn't go down much more.

[dv8grl]

Now that gas is slowly going down ($2.90 here) how are those vacations coming?

[PrincessArky]

we still have our fingers crossed about a "mini" vacation this summer but if we do go won't be anything huge.......I will just be thrilled to get away for a few days

[lassss]

ditto..I'm finally in great place in life where I can afford to go places. I worked hard to get where I am and now it's time to enjoy life to the fullest :)



My thoughts exactly. Vacations are an important part of my life. :driver:

[buttrfli]

We canceled our "big" vacation to Arkansas, but we are going to go on an 8 hour float trip for a mini vacation. Arkansas was going to cost us about $800 (not including gas) for 4 days and we can go on 8 float trips for the same price (including gas and food)... and we get to come home to our own beds at night when we are done lol

Not sure if we are going to do several day trips to go float, or if we are going to look into some other things that are fairly close to us and do something different.

Last time I went on a float trip, I ended up getting knocked in the head with a canoe that flipped, and woke up in the ER.... this time, we will be taking rubber rafts ;)

[PrincessArky]

We canceled our "big" vacation to Arkansas, but we are going to go on an 8 hour float trip for a mini vacation. Arkansas was going to cost us about $800 (not including gas) for 4 days and we can go on 8 float trips for the same price (including gas and food)... and we get to come home to our own beds at night when we are done lol

Not sure if we are going to do several day trips to go float, or if we are going to look into some other things that are fairly close to us and do something different.

Last time I went on a float trip, I ended up getting knocked in the head with a canoe that flipped, and woke up in the ER.... this time, we will be taking rubber rafts ;)

Hey you should have come to Arkansas last weekend to magic springs.....they had a power failure and took about 30 mins to get the ppl on the ride down and they were UPSIDE down......now doesnt that sound like fun lol

[buttrfli]

Hey you should have come to Arkansas last weekend to magic springs.....they had a power failure and took about 30 mins to get the ppl on the ride down and they were UPSIDE down......now doesnt that sound like fun lol

I saw that on CNN the other day!

When we went to Branson in 05, something happened to one of the rollercoasters and it was stuck at the very top and everyone had to walk down :eek: I can't imagine being stuck UPSIDE DOWN for 30 min!

[PrincessArky]

I saw that on CNN the other day!

When we went to Branson in 05, something happened to one of the rollercoasters and it was stuck at the very top and everyone had to walk down :eek: I can't imagine being stuck UPSIDE DOWN for 30 min!

I am scared to death of them and I told hubby would be my luck that would happen to me IF I ever got that brave.......guess we all know that i wont be brave now lol

[McKinney05]

I am SO glad that our gas has been steadily going down here. Last Monday gas was at $3.49 then last Friday it was down to $3.19 now as of yesterday we are at $2.75
MAYBE, if I keep my fingers crossed, it will get below $2.50 by the end of next week.

I get HORRIBLE gas mileage.....13MPG!!!

......and yet I still manage to put over 1000 miles (average) a week on my rig!

[suprtruckr]

Last time I went on a float trip, I ended up getting knocked in the head with a canoe that flipped, and woke up in the ER.... this time, we will be taking rubber rafts ;)

so thats what happened :itsme: :rofl: ;)



I get HORRIBLE gas mileage.....13MPG!!!

i had that problem i did a complete tuneup and started buying a better quality gasoline and it jumped to 15 mpg combined in 1998 dodge durango weighs about 6000 lbs

[buttrfli]

so thats what happened :itsme: :rofl: ;)


At least I have an excuse :p :slap

[suprtruckr]

At least I have an excuse :p :slap

i have a few but not in public ;) :rofl: