That extra $50 spent on gas is going to be $50 less for the "extras" we'd normally indulge in on vacation. For example, we're less apt to order drinks with our meals or get those souvenir t-shirts we'd normally buy. We'll still get from point-A to point-B but may stay one night less than we'd planned to the previous year, before gas costs skyrocketed.
For us, vacation is more in our own back yard this year. We normally go to Story Land for Father's Day but not this year. We've taken some trips to the beach but only when parking was free. We'll be doing less of the kiddie amusement attractions in NH and ME this year and more camping, fishing, etc.
The place where I see this gas price fiasco hit us is in the daily commute to work. We live in Alton and hubby works in Bristol - that' a haul each day. Thankfully, it's only 9 months of the year (he's a teacher). The other three months, he works in Laconia - and that's still a haul from Alton. The daily gas is what's hurting us. I've learned to economize my trips and try to do all the errands in one day, if possible.
The thing I see as unbelievable inexpensive right now is the price of airline tickets. I scored round trip tickets to Chicago in August for just $220. Can't beat it! I was shocked it was that inexpensive.
In short, things aren't great but they aren't as tragic as they could be. We've learned to adjust and compromise - and still be happy.
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