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Can you afford to travel this summer?
Posted: 06.27.2011 at 9:22 PM
Updated: 06.28.2011 at 6:05 AM
Rachel Welte

Rachel Welte is the Weekend News Anchor and a General Assignment Reporter.

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High gas prices are preventing many families from taking road trips this summer  / FOX21: Adam Jukkola
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- They have been on the rise for weeks, but now gas prices are finally starting to come down just in time for the Fourth of July.

According to AAA the average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in Colorado Springs this week is $3.55.

That is down 10 cents from June 8, but when compared to the numbers from this time last year, gas prices are 81 cents higher, which has many families rethinking their Fourth of July road trip.

"My favorite thing about the RV experience is the freedom and flexibility you have, you are traveling on your own terms, if you want to save money and not go the extra 200 miles," Brad Herzog said.

Brad, his wife Amy, and two boys Luke and Jesse are traveling across the country this summer in their Winnebago, an annual trip that has taken them to 48 states in 12 years.

During their time on the road, the Herzogs have seen gas prices rise and fall.

"I do not really sweat them, we find that we do not have to pay for hotel rooms every single night," Brad said.

Along with saving on hotels, the Herzogs also cook all their meals and adjust as necessary when prices climb higher.

Still, officials with AAA said even when they cut back, many families can not afford to take a road trip with the high prices at the pump.

"The lower income families realize they need to stay home, we count people who are going to travel more than 50 miles each way, and with that price pressure and income, that could discourage people from traveling," Tom Hess with AAA said.

Hess said AAA is anticipating there will be 39 million people on the road nationwide during the holiday week, that is down 2.5 percent from 2010.

He said those numbers are a result of the high gas prices.

Meanwhile the Herzogs said they will continue to take their annual road trip, and prioritize when needed to make it happen.

"I think if people can plan out a way to take the time, and figure out the best way for their family to go, then it is an affordable way to travel," Brad said.

Brad has authored several travel memoirs, and writes a travel blog.

For more information on those click here.

For the latest gas prices click here. 

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Are you planning a road trip this summer?

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