When would the price of gas make you cut back on travel plans? Answer: when it hits $3.50 a gallon. Half of Americans in a poll say they would alter their plans at that price.
That number comes from a survey released by the nonprofit environmental think tank Civil Society Institute and its 40MPG.org project, which is lobbying for more fuel-efficient cars.
“Experts often say that Americans will grin and bear these higher gas prices. But that’s clearly not the case,” said Civil Society Institute president and 40MPG.org founder Pam Solo.
So the tourism industry is fighting back. Among typical deals being offered this summer, according to Money Magazine:
- BnBFinder.com, an online bed and breakfast directory, is keeping track of inns and B&Bs offering rebates and free gas.
- The southern California city of Costa Mesa is offering people who stay in Costa Mesa hotels a $30 restaurant certificate every night of your stay, as well as a $30 gas certificate.
- California mountain resort Big Bear is giving away a $25 gas card for visitors who stay at participating hotels in the area through November 18.
- The Branson, Missouri Tourism Center is offering 20 cents a gallon off gas for people living 100 miles or more away from Branson.
Other deals are also expected to be announced in the near future.
Report by David Wilkening
