Spring break travel still in high gear for many people despite surging gas prices
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The rising gas prices in the last month may be hurting your budget but those who have made "Spring Break" travel plans are apparently not making U-turns.
The cost of gas in Santa Barbara County is hovering around $6. a gallon for unleaded self-serve gas, with some stations exceeding $7. a gallon for premium.
It's all being factored in to the cost of a trip for travelers and if they are driving a big RV or towing a trailer with a boat, motorcycles and ATV's they can expect to have a hefty bill for fuel before the fun runs out.
Travel experts say many people planned in advance and are sticking to their schedule, either on the highways or in the air. Popular flight destinations continue to be warmer weather resort locations in Hawaii and Mexico.
Even in the drought conditions, places like Cachuma Lake are still well stocked with fish and a draw for those who want to spend some time looking for the best "catch of the day."
Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara waterfront saw increasing foot traffic Monday.
Visitor Pete Henderson said, "I think the spike in gas is hopefully temporary so we are going to do what we want anyway." He is from New Mexico where gas is not as expensive. "It is lower than in California, because the taxes are low."
A traveler from Switzerland said he usually goes to more locations inside and outside of California but not on this trip.
Andy Jauch said, "just Phoenix and Vegas and that's it. In the past I drove more far."
For a visitor from New York, the trip to California was not going to be delayed.
Steve Smith said, "I'm only this age once and from here it only gets shorter in the direction I am going. The rates seem to be fluctuating on a daily basis so you have to be very keen as to what the rates are and what's comfortable for you and what is affordable."
