Gas Prices Don’t Deter Spring Break Plans

The continued rise in gas prices has many drivers in Southern California reevaluating their travel plans. The cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas went up 24 cents in just the last week. Pat Kavanaugh and Kathy Brockman made their way to the desert from Chicago for some vacation time. They saw first-hand the rising cost in gas. “We started out at $3.62 a gallon, and I see this morning it’s up to $4.32,” said Kavanaugh.

However, despite the continue rise in prices, Joy Meredith, the president of the Downtown Palm Spring’s Merchant Association, believes that pain at the pump won’t deter travel plans to the valley.

“Well we’ve definitely had customers talking about the gas prices, but I think that with the holidays coming up like spring break that most people already have their plans,” said Meredith. “I think they’ll come to Palm Springs and have a wonderful time.”

Kavanaugh has learned to grin and bear the expenses of travel. “Once you buy the plane ticket and you know that you’re going, it’s just part of the conditions of travel,” said Kavanaugh.

Despite the cost of gas, business owners say the desert gives people a cheaper destination for spring break. “We’re about the best deal you can get as far as much money you have to put in the gas tank to get to our destination,” said Julius Kazen, the president of the Palm Springs Hospitality Association. “That gives us a major competitive advantage when the prices are up against Tucson, Phoenix, San Francisco.”

Kazen is hoping for the best this season, but is also planning for the worst. In response to the Cal Trans mess earlier in the month, several organizations have met to come up with a new communication plan.

“They’ll be able to push one button and get the information out,” said Kazen. “So if we really know, if it’s an hour delay, a two hour delay, a three hour delay, we can tell our customers exactly what’s going on before they even walk out the door.”

Some hotels have also offered incentives for their driving customers. The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs offers a twenty percent discount, as well as a twenty-five dollar gift card.

“I think it’s great, great that they’re offering that, great for their demographic, each hotel will handle it as it makes sense for their business,” said Kazen.

One business in Palm Springs actually looks forward to the high gas prices. Knott’s Soak City benefits from people wanting to stay in town. “You know people, locals especially don’t want to travel as far, lots of local who try to stay close to home,” said Knott’s Soak City Marketing Director Brad Ouelette.

Knott’s Soak City Opens on March 10.