Georgians Brace for Spring Break Travel Amid High Gas Prices

Families planning trips face steep fuel costs as national average tops $4 per gallon

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting a sweeping, elevated highway or interstate with smooth, airbrushed gradients in shades of blue, orange, and gray, conveying the grand scale and romance of travel, without any literal depiction of people, vehicles, or text.As Georgians prepare for spring break road trips, high gas prices force many to rethink travel plans and budgets.Atlanta Today

As families across metro Atlanta prepare to hit the road for spring break, the price of gas shows no signs of dropping. The national average for a gallon of regular gas has exceeded $4 for the first time in four years, and in Georgia, the average price has reached slightly more than $3.70 per gallon - up over 90 cents from the same time last year. This is putting a strain on travelers like Christopher Johnson, who is budgeting $400 just for gas on his family's trip to Panama City Beach.

Why it matters

High gas prices are impacting spring break travel plans for many Georgia families, forcing them to adjust budgets and consider closer destinations to save on fuel costs. This comes as the state and nation grapple with rising inflation and the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The details

Gas prices have continued to climb across the country as the war with Iran drives up the price of crude oil. The increase in prices comes as families in metro Atlanta prepare to travel for spring break next week. Christopher Johnson, a Georgia dad, says he's budgeting $400 in gas money alone for his family's trip to Panama City Beach, as they'll be taking a larger three-row vehicle. Officials with AAA say the suspension of the state gas tax by Governor Brian Kemp is helping provide some relief, but with higher oil prices, increasing seasonal demand, and the switch to a summer gasoline blend, prices are likely to remain under pressure in the near term.

  • The national average for a gallon of regular gas has exceeded $4 for the first time in four years.
  • In Georgia, the average price for a gallon has reached slightly more than $3.70, up more than eight cents compared to a week ago and 90 cents more than the same time in March.

The players

Christopher Johnson

A Georgia dad who is budgeting $400 in gas money for his family's spring break trip to Panama City Beach.

Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia, who has suspended the state gas tax to provide some relief to drivers.

AAA

The automotive organization that reports on gas prices and market trends.

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What they’re saying

“We're taking a truck, a three-row, so it's going to be — I can only imagine how much it's going to cost us. So very, very much high - same as flying almost when you think about gas there and back. So yeah, it's horrible. I hate it.”

— Christopher Johnson, Georgia dad

“We're praying on it. Fingers crossed, guys.”

— Christopher Johnson, Georgia dad

What’s next

Officials with AAA say that with higher oil prices, increasing seasonal demand, and the switch to a summer gasoline blend, prices over the near term are likely to remain under pressure, despite the state gas tax suspension.

The takeaway

High gas prices are forcing many Georgia families to adjust their spring break travel plans, with some opting for closer destinations to save on fuel costs. While the state gas tax suspension provides some relief, the broader economic factors driving up prices at the pump remain a significant concern for consumers.