As Gas Rises, Flying May Be Cheaper Than Driving

April 29, 2006 — -- It's an American summer tradition: Pack the suitcases, put the kids in the car, and hit the open road.

But not this summer, say the Itkinses of Falls Church, Va. To save money, they are flying to Disney World instead of driving.

"When I was looking up stuff on the Internet and making plans for the trip, gas prices were about $2.40, $2.50 a gallon, and I could see it going up further," said Ellen Itkin.

The Itkin family's travel package, including three round-trip tickets and a two-night hotel stay, cost them $1,065.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated the same trip by car would have cost them $1,334 -- almost $300 more.

Whether other vacationers will pay less driving or flying for a given vacation depends on a whole host of factors -- the distance, their car's gas mileage and how far in advance they book the flight.

"We don't think these high gas prices are going to stop people from going on vacation," said Mantill Williams, AAA's spokesman. "But I have to say we are heading into uncharted territory. We've never seen gas prices ratchet up this early at this type of rate, and it looks like we are headed toward that record high."

Not Just Gas

With oil prices driving up inflation, nearly every aspect of travel will be more expensive this summer.

For instance, hotel rates are up 9 percent from last year, according to the AAA. Air fares at their highest rate since mid-2001. Several airlines have tacked fuel surcharges on long flights.

Tourism officials in Aspen, Colo., are so concerned about drop-off in visitor traffic that they're offering free parking, free bicycle rentals and a voucher for $50 worth of free gas.

You won't find the Itkinses driving to Aspen. Aside from their one trip to Orlando, they plan to stay closer to home this summer, keeping the car in the driveway as much as possible.

"I think if gas prices weren't quite as high, we would consider a weekend excursion," David Itkins said. "But because the gas prices are over $3 now, and liable to be $4 by Labor Day, I don't see us doing another beach trip."

Vacation? It's Too Expensive to Drive Around the Block

Forget vacationing -- the high gas prices are keeping some Americans from leaving their homes on the weekends. Deb Baker of Elmore, Ohio, said she only drives on weekends when absolutely necessary.

"If the kids want to go the park or we want to go and do something," she said, "we'll go walk the dogs around the block or something instead of driving because I need to save gas."

In Cleveland, Steve Zabak doesn't go out much anymore on weekends because of the high gas prices.

"I'll watch TV and be on the computer," he said.

ABC News' Nancy Weiner reported this story for "World News Tonight." This story also contains reporting by ABC News' Ron Claiborne for "Good Morning America Weekend Edition."