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National gas prices have skyrocketed in recent days, leaving many drivers facing unexpectedly high costs at the pump.
The sudden surge, triggered by recent military action in Iran, arrives just as families prepare for Spring Break travel.
To mitigate the rising costs, AAA is urging motorists to adopt fuel-saving habits to keep travel plans on track.
Here are AAA's recommendations:
On the Road
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Avoid prolonged idling in general. If your car will be stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.
- When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
- Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
- Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
Don’t be “Fueled” into Wasting Gas
- The practices above will help improve fuel economy. Also, keep these more general fuel-saving tips in mind:
- Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
- Combine errands into one trip and travel during off‑peak times when possible.
- If you own more than one car, choose the most fuel‑efficient option for each trip.
- AAA research has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car’s manufacturer, it provides no added benefit.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Modern cars don’t need “tune-ups,” but regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy, performance and longevity.
- Take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible if the “Check Engine” light comes on. This indicates a problem that is causing excessive emissions and likely reducing fuel economy.
- Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy, but more importantly, tires low on air degrade handling and braking, wear more rapidly and can overheat and blow out.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Shop around for the best gas prices. Drivers can use tools such as the free AAA mobile app to find and compare current gas prices closest to their location.
- Take advantage of discounts. Fuel retailers, grocery store chains or discount clubs sometimes offer discounts on each gallon of gas purchased or based on your spending or accumulation of points for shopping there. There are also credit cards that provide fuel discounts or cash-back bonuses on fuel purchases.
- In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than for larger models.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. On the highway, even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack or car-top container will have a major effect on gas mileage.
Spring Break Outlook: Where Travelers Are Headed
Domestic trips
Airfares: Roundtrip domestic flights to Spring Break hot spots are about 2% higher than last year, averaging $815.
Top destinations: Florida dominates again—Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are among the top 10 U.S. picks.
Rental cars: Orlando, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are the most popular pickup locations; top booking states include Florida, California, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona.
Caribbean & international trips
Airfares: Average roundtrip fares to popular Caribbean/international destinations are slightly lower than in 2025, averaging ~$1,300.
Cruising continues to surge: Families favor week‑long Caribbean itineraries from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
Europe draws families for history + fun: Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona lead the list; AAA data shows Rome as the most popular city for tour packages.
Peace of Mind
AAA has the following advice for travelers who are heading overseas for Spring Break.
Enroll in STEP
Before departing for your trip, enroll in the State Department’s STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) which allows the U.S. to know where you’re going and send you security updates during your stay.
Consider Travel Insurance
Consider obtaining travel insurance before an international trip but work with a trusted travel agent who can walk you through the policy details and answer questions about what is and isn’t included in case of an emergency. Acts of war are generally excluded from most travel insurance policies. This is why speaking with a travel agent is crucial before purchasing a plan.
Prepare for the Airport
Before heading to the airport, check the status of your flight. Give yourself plenty of time to go through security in case of delays at TSA checkpoints. When returning to the U.S., consider downloading the Mobile Passport Control app which is free to use and helps expedite the customs process at most major U.S. airports.
Remain Vigilant, Stay Informed
During your trip, always remain vigilant and monitor updates from local media and the U.S. Embassy. Social media is a great way to stay connected and watch for urgent alerts. If you’re concerned or have questions ahead of a trip, AAA travel agents can help with cancelations and changes, and offer you options for alternative destinations.