19 Million Projected To Board Cruise Ships In 2025

Above, yours truly jet skiing last year during Bahamas cruise.

During my lifetime, I've been on three cruises.

The first was in Alaska in 2001, then to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba in 2019 and then, last year, to the Bahamas.

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked in Nassau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that I was part of 18.2 million Americans who took a cruise in 2024. According to AAA, more will be taking cruises this year.

According to Upper Michigan's Source:

DEARBORN, Mich. (WLUC) - AAA is diving into the cruise industry, releasing its first-ever cruise forecast for 2025 on Monday. This year is projected to hit record numbers for the third consecutive year.

The report is similar to the travel forecasts AAA releases for major holidays. It examines the number of U.S. residents who will take an ocean cruise from a U.S. or international port.

AAA forecasts that 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises in 2025. This is a 4.5% increase over 2024 when 18.2 million Americans went on cruise vacations. It’s also 34% more than the pre-pandemic peak of 14.2 million in 2019. 

To read more, go here. 

Labor Day Weekend Looks To Be Busier

Above, Albuquerque's Sunport TSA area will be a lot busier
than this during Labor Day weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is one thing I don't have to worry about. That is Labor Day weekend travel.

I plan on staying home during the weekend, so I am leaving traveling to others. This Labor Day weekend looks to be even busier than last year's.

According to KOB 4:

Many children have gone back to school in the U.S., and the days are getting shorter, but there is still one more excuse to use the swimsuits and beach towels before packing them up: Labor Day.

Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as a lot Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.

AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.

American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.

To read more, go here. 

Gas Prices Will Fly For the 4th of July

When I last looked, the price for unleaded regular at the local Flying J was $3.159/gallon. I don't know what it is today, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is higher than that.

Nationally, gas prices are higher for the Independence Day holiday.

According to RV Travel: 

Just in time for holiday RV travel, the national average for gas prices shook off nearly three weeks of stagnation, moving a nickel higher since last week to hit $3.50.

In AAA’s most recent gas price report (June 27), the outfit noted the cost of oil crossed the $80 per barrel mark, putting upward pressure on pump prices. With oil costs accounting for about 54% of what you pay at the pump, more expensive oil usually leads to more expensive gas. Yes, gas prices will fly for the 4th of July.

To read more, go here. 

Gas Prices Expected To Fall and Stay Low

Above, filling up at the Jamestown Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gasoline prices in New Mexico are dropping and are expected to stay low through summer. At least that's what the AAA is saying.

According to the Rio Rancho Observer:

Commuters and vacationers can breathe a sigh of relief at the gas pump knowing gas prices appear to be dropping as the summer travel season kicks in, according to a report from AAA.

“New Mexicans are paying less for gasoline so far this summer when compared to last year,” Daniel Armbruster, AAA New Mexico spokesman, said in a news release. “Supply builds of crude oil and gasoline are helping to keep retail fuel prices in check as many hit the road for summer vacations.”

Although oil supplies are the main catalyst for price drops, there are other reasons pump prices are slowly creeping down.

AAA spokesman Andrew Gross told the Associated Press that demand for gas is declining. “Traditionally — pre-pandemic — after Memorial Day, demand would start to pick up in the summertime. And we just don’t see it anymore.”

The rise in popularity of electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles is also credited as a reason for declining demand.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in New Mexico on Thursday was $3.20, 4 cents less than a week before and 23 cents less than on June 13, 2023, according to AAA. 

To read more, go here. 

Surging Gas Prices

Gasoline prices have been surging upwards during the past two weeks.

Currently, a gallon of unleaded regular in the Gallup, New Mexico area is around $3.099. Luckily for me, I filled my gas tank last week at $2.779/gallon in Gallup. Thank goodness I get around 30 miles per gallon with the Mustang.

If New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signs S.B. 41 (gas tax bill) into law (if she hasn't done so already) that the Democrats passed during this year's legislative session, we could see at least fifty cents a gallon more at the pump. So, take $3.099/gallon and add fifty cents to it, New Mexico drivers would be paying $3.599/gallon.

According to Forbes:

TOPLINE The national average price for a gallon of gasoline hit a four-month high on Wednesday, and analysts expect it to keep rising as oil prices trend upward, refineries struggle with capacity and states transition to a more expensive summer fuel blend, though prices are far from where they were at their mid-2022 peak.

KEY FACTS

Drivers in the U.S. are paying roughly $3.31 for a gallon of gas on Wednesday, according to data from GasBuddy, while AAA puts the price slightly lower, at an average of $3.29.

We have a mothballed refinery here in Jamestown, New Mexico. It has been shut down since 2020. 

People in New Mexico need to contact the governor and demand that she veto S.B. 41! 

To read more, go here.

AAA Projections For Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

Above, camping at Lake Havasu during Thanksgiving 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that I am staying home (or close to home) this Thanksgiving. I will likely spend the holiday with friends here in Jamestown.

However, others plan on hitting the road. The lower gasoline prices are also a factor in why so many are hitting the road. The Flying J near me has unleaded regular priced at $3.249/gallon. 

According to RV Travel:

If you plan on getting out and about on the upcoming holiday, look out! Here are the AAA projections for Thanksgiving holiday travel.

Third-highest Thanksgiving forecast in 23 years

The big motorists’ interest group says 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. For their purposes, that means the five-day period from Wednesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 26. This year’s forecast shows an increase of 2.3% over last year. It marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

To read more, go here. 

AAA National and California Average Gasoline Prices

 Self-explanatory.

I paid $3.709 in New Mexico today.

Jeep Issues Persist

Above, yesterday before the problem came back.

I thought I had the problem with the Jeep fixed. But it persists.

I was driving it around the subdivision and stopped at the Lucier residence at the southern end. While talking to Larry Lucier, the engine conked out and it wouldn't restart. Prior to this, it seemed to be running fine. It is not the fuel pump as it was working and we tried to avoid flooding the carburetor.

The efforts to restart ran the battery down and we tried several battery chargers, but the same problem would happen. It wanted to start, but couldn't for some reason. The battery is only two years old.

I was trying to avoid taking it to the mechanic's next month. Their vintage vehicle specialist was booked up when this all started a few weeks ago and I have to call them next month to get an appointment to bring it in. 

My AAA membership had two tows left and I had to use one of them to tow the Jeep home. I have one left. But the good news is that the renewal kicks in August 31. 

It took AAA about four hours to get the tow truck to me. It is definitely not like in L.A. when a truck usually arrives within 40 minutes.

Millions Expected To Travel Over Thanksgiving

Above, Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that I am sticking around home this coming Thanksgiving weekend. It appears that holiday traveling will be much more than last year's.

Instead of traveling, I'll be spending Thanksgiving with friends in Jamestown.

It is interesting to note that the airlines seem to have gotten their acts together. There's no mention of delays and cancelations.

According to Yahoo! News:

Millions are expected to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday and airlines say they're prepared for the travel rush.

Airlines this fall boasted the most full-time employees in 20 years, and industry leaders say airlines are well-positioned to handle the holiday uptick in passengers. 

On the roads, AAA predicts nearly 49 million people to travel by car over Thanksgiving -- up 0.4% from last year.

Travelers staying in the U.S for Thanksgiving are headed to big cities like New York, Orlando and Los Angeles, according to Hopper. For international travel, Dublin, Cancun and Doha, Qatar, are topping Hopper’s list of most-booked destinations.

To read more, go here. 

How To Plan An RV Trip

Part of the fun of RV vacationing (at least it's fun to me) is planning it out.

Getting maps, tour guides (from AAA), making campground reservations (where necessary) and finding area attractions is all part of it.

For those new to RVing, RV Lifestyle has broken down RV trip planning into five easy steps.

They begin with:

Planning an RV trip can be overwhelming, especially when you’re first starting. You realize there are a lot of logistics to consider, like where to stop, how far to drive, and how to balance the budget.

Unlike other RV planning guides, I’m not going to list obvious steps, like “pick a destination” or “look for things to do nearby.” Rather, I’m going to address the logistics that will actually provide a framework for your entire trip. 

Before I get into those 5 easy steps, however, I want to offer you the easiest solution to your road trip planning needs…

To read more, go here.

Gas Prices Break Record In New Mexico

Above, about to fill up The Beast two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have been saying for the past few months, "at least we're not in California."

Well, all that is beginning to change as gasoline and diesel prices in New Mexico are climbing with no relief in sight.

The Carlsbad Current Argus has posted an article on the average gas prices in various counties. Some have prices lower than others.

They begin with:

Southeast New Mexico had some of the cheapest gas in the state as motorists throughout nation grappled with higher prices at the pump.

The region is characterized by heavy oil and gas production, and proximity to refineries in neighboring Texas.

Crude oil prices, along with refinery and shipping costs are the key components of retail gas prices, per the Energy Information Administration.

New Mexico’s statewide average, per data from AAA as of Thursday morning, was $4.51 a gallon while the national average was $4.72.

This was the highest average price ever recorded in the state, AAA reported.

As this is a gubernatorial election year, people going to the polls should vote their pocketbooks with this in mind. After all, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is a disciple of the Green New Deal of left wing energy policies.

To read more, go here.

Gas Prices Will Surpass $6 Nationwide By August

Above, gas prices in Essex, California last March.

If you think gasoline prices are outrageous now, just wait until summer. You ain't seen nothin' yet!

From Fox Business:

The average national retail price for a gallon of regular gasoline is projected to surpass $6 by the of summer, according to a recent JPMorgan research note.  

On Wednesday, the national average hit another record, reaching $4.56 per gallon, according to AAA. That's already up nearly 50 cents from a month ago, and $1.52 from this time last year, according to AAA's recent data.  

According to JPMorgan, prices could surge another 37% by August, hitting a $6.20 per gallon national average. 

This is due to "expectations of strong driving demand" throughout the summer driving season, which spans from Memorial Day and lasts until Labor Day, the analysts, led by Natasha Kaneva, the head of JPMorgan's global commodities strategy team, wrote.

Gas prices are already exceeding $6.00/gallon in Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

It is said that there isn't enough refinery capacity to meet the summer demand. Yet there's a mothballed refinery in Jamestown, New Mexico that could be put to use. Some upgrading is needed first. So why isn't it happening?

To read more, go here. 

Let's Go Brandon!

Old Travel Guides

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, I used to attend the H. Werner Buck Enterprises' Sports, Vacation and RV Shows at the Anaheim Convention Center. H. Werner Buck Enterprises is no defunct.

While at the shows, I accumulated literature on attractions, campgrounds and state travel guides. It was at one of those shows that I discovered the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

I was digging through a drawer this morning and came across some AAA tour books, maps and books on different places.

The photo above shows two different editions of the Automobile Club of Southern California The Mother Lode books and a map. The one on the left is the 1984 edition and the one on the right is the 1994 edition. Since I joined the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, which began in the Mother Lode Country of California, I made several trips to the area.

Above, are some various state travel books from their tourism boards that I obtained at the Sports, Vacation and Travel Shows.

The tour books from the Automobile Club are way outdated, but it is fun to peruse them and see what is no longer around.

Best and Worst Times To Hit The Road For Christmas, New Year's

Above, Christmas in California two years ago before the pandemic.

Like last Christmas, I am staying put at home this year.

Last year was basically due to the pandemic. This year, it is due to the car repairs I had to do with the Mustang this past month. In total, the amount was slightly over $1,100. On top of that, gasoline prices are over a buck more per gallon than last year.

There are those brave souls who will travel during the holiday and SiouxlandProud has posted information on the best and worst times to hit the road.

They begin with:

(NEXSTAR) – If you haven’t yet made plans for your Christmas and New Year’s travels, you may not want to wait any longer. Roughly one in three Americans are expected to travel for the holidays, and with the vast majority relying on cars to get them to their destination, AAA is already warning of delays on roadways.

While gas costs roughly $1.25 more per gallon this year compared to last year, AAA estimates over 100 million Americans are planning to get to their holiday destination via cars. In 2020, just 78.5 million hit the road for Christmas and New Year’s.

AAA reports only marginal travel delays are expected throughout the holiday week, but major metro areas may see travel take twice — or in some places, three times — as long as normal.

For those living or commuting through Boston, Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco, traffic congestion is expected to peak on Dec. 23, according to data from INRIX, which provides connected car services and transportation analytics. New York and Washington D.C. can expect traffic congestion to reach its peak on Dec. 27 while Seattle’s peak congestion is forecasted for Dec. 28. Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles will face the most traffic on Jan. 2.

Using data from INRIX, AAA has predicted the best and worst times to travel for each of the 11 days between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 nationwide.

So, if those of you who are reading this and are planning to hit the road, you may want to take a good look at the full article.

To do so, go here. 

California Gas Prices Hit Highest Average On Record

Above, this is cheaper than what gas prices are now in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have to thank my lucky stars that I got the heck out of Commiefornia (California, to those who are dense) in the nick of time almost four years ago.

Average gasoline prices in the state have hit a new record high. (Cue in Rita Coolidge's "All Time High".)

KTLA reported:

California gas prices hit an average price of $4.676 Sunday, setting the highest recorded average price for regular gasoline, according to AAA.

America’s largest state by population has the highest gas prices in the country. The national average dropped slightly to $3.413 Sunday.

Pretty soon, people will have to take out a second mortgage or get a co-signer in order to buy gasoline.

To read more, go here. 

AAA: Gas Prices Highest Since 2014

Above, May 12 price of gasoline at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to the 2020 elections, we are now paying the price for the folly of electing (or maybe not actually electing) His Fraudulency Joe Biden.

One price we're paying is the cost of gasoline, which has gone sky-in some areas. Much of the blame goes to Biden's cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline and other actions.

KOB 4 News reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Gas prices are on the rise.

Triple-A reports that gas is the highest it's been since 2014.

It's tough news for the 34 million Americans who are expected to travel by car for the Memorial Day weekend. 

Tishika Powdrell said she's not surprised at the holiday price hike.

"It’s expected. They’re trying to make their money," she said.

To read more, go here. 

AAA Gasoline Price Averages

It's been a while since I took a look at the nation's average gasoline prices.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) has a website that shows how much each state's gasoline prices are.

Thankfully, I left California for New Mexico nearly three years ago. California has some of the highest gasoline prices. New Mexico is among the lowest (there are some states even lower).

Here's a map from AAA of how the states rank:

To read more, go here.

Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel Downgraded To Three Stars By AAA

Above, the Ahwahnee Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For years, Yosemite National Park's Ahwahnee Hotel has had a four-star rating by the AAA.

This year, it lost a star.

Chron.com reported:

The grand lodge with Half Dome views has been downgraded to three out of five diamonds in AAA's rating system — it had long retained a four-diamond rating. The news was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. 

AAA inspectors make thousands of unannounced visits to hotels across North America and releases an annual list of the nearly 200 of four- and five-diamond hotels in California. The Ahwahnee — where rooms start at $376 a night — first earned four diamonds in 1991 and held onto the prestigious rating until the 2019 score was released. 

"AAA can not disclose why a property would have gained or lost a diamond because it’s considered proprietary with the property," said Julie Hall, a spokesperson for AAA.

Some have said that the food at the hotel is lousy and the customer service is terrible.

To read more, go here. 

It's A Good Thing I Bought The Jeep

Above, the Jeep at the Flying J today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things didn't quite go off as planned for today.

I was heading over to Denny's at the Flying J for our usual coffee/breakfast gathering this morning when the Mustang decided to conk out and not start again. I suspect the fuel pump gave out. Luckily, Victor (one of our group) was on his way to the Flying J and stopped where I was at. He went back home and got his truck and towed me to the house. After which, I rode with him to Denny's.

It seems like problems always seem to happen on a weekend or during a holiday (in this case Labor Day weekend) when many businesses are closed. It's a good thing this happened today instead of yesterday when I went to the fair in Prewitt.

I figure I will deal with the Mustang on Tuesday or Wednesday when my Social Security direct deposit is in my checking account. (I just checked, it's already in. But I'll wait until Tuesday or Wednesday anyway.)

So, I am using the Jeep to get around up here. I used it to go back down to the Flying J to drop off some bills at the post office. It is far more economical than using The Beast. It's a good thing (at least in this instance) I bought the Jeep to use.

I was planning to use the Jeep today anyway to go to the shooting area to try out the Winchester 94. Before going to the Flying J this morning, I started it up to give it a good warm-up. I decided to put the target-shooting off until tomorrow, so I can go earlier in the morning when it is cooler. It's going to be near 90° today.

Luckily, I signed up with AAA with their more premium roadside assistance, which has tows up to 100 miles. Their more basic membership has tows for only 3 miles. That wouldn't work for me since the repair shop I use in Gallup is around 19 miles from home.

Independence Day Holiday Travel

Above, last year's 4th of July week was spent in Roswell, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow's Independence Day and already people have begun hitting the road.

Reading Eagle has a helpful article on what to expect this year.

They begin with:

Load up the car and get ready to sit in traffic. 

This July Fourth holiday a record breaking 49 million people are expected to travel nationwide, according to AAA, the roadside assistance company. 

More people than ever before told AAA they were planning to travel. Overall travel volume for the holiday is expected to rise 4.1% over last year, with an additional 1.9 million people planning road trips. 

Low unemployment and lower gas prices mean more Americans feel confident about spending money on travel. 

The national average of $2.68 a gallon for gasoline is 21 cents lower than last year, AAA said in a prepared statement. 

This is motivating record numbers of travelers to take road trips for the holiday weekend, AAA said.

To read more, go here.