HOUSTON — Texans are traveling for Memorial Day weekend across Texas, Mexico, and other destinations despite gasoline prices reaching as high as $4 per gallon in parts of the state, with industry data showing holiday travel levels remain similar to last year and many travelers adjusting trip plans to offset higher fuel costs.
Drivers in southeast Texas reported higher fuel expenses this week as they prepared for long-distance travel. At a Murphy Express station along Interstate 45 in Houston, Roderick Cosey said he planned to drive to Miami, Florida, to visit family and go to the beach. He said he expected higher travel costs for the trip and aimed to avoid rental car expenses.
Gasoline prices have increased in Texas in recent weeks, with industry observers linking the rise in part to global tensions affecting oil markets. The price of jet fuel has also increased, according to industry reports.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that about 3.7 million Texans are expected to travel during the Memorial Day period, a level similar to last year. The organization said higher fuel prices have not significantly reduced travel demand, but it has influenced travel behavior.
AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe said travelers often adjust plans when fuel costs rise, including shortening trips, reducing distances, staying with friends or family, and bringing food instead of dining out.
Tourism officials in Houston said they expect strong visitor activity through early summer, supported by major events including matches for the FIFA World Cup (FIFA World Cup), which Houston will host in June and July. The Houston First Corporation (Houston First Corporation) estimated that as many as 500,000 visitors could come to the city during the tournament period.
Spokesperson A.J. Mistretta said hotel bookings in Houston remained comparable to the same period last year, following a strong first quarter driven by events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo), the World Baseball Classic (World Baseball Classic), and spring break travel.
Some residents said higher fuel prices are changing their travel plans. Laura Vazquez said her family planned to drive from Houston to San Luis Potosí, Mexico (San Luis Potosí), but she expected to reduce the number of stops and limit spending due to fuel costs.
AAA and tourism officials said they expect travel patterns to remain steady through the holiday weekend, while closely monitoring fuel prices and consumer demand.
