Posted at: 09/13/2012 8:37 PM
Updated at: 09/13/2012 10:18 PM
By: Brianna Long

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High Gas Prices Hurt Travel Plans

(ABC 6 News) -- Bad news for drivers; gas prices. They're on the rise, and in Minnesota we're paying more than the national average. Prices are nearing the $4 mark, leaving many drivers frustrated.   

Drivers everywhere are watching the numbers climb, while the balance in their bank account falls.

"Not even eight gallons, it costs me $30," said driver Spencer Stevens.

"It's a 12 gallon car, so anywhere around $40 to fill it," said fellow driver Marie Torkelson of her Ford Focus.

"It just kills me. It kills me to pay that much for gas," added frustrated driver Kim Ryan.

Not only are people cutting back on the family budget to fill the tank; they're also having to cut back on the one thing they look forward to all year long; the family vacation.

"I had planned a couple of long trips of going up to see family in northern Minnesota and going up to see family up in Duluth this summer just of a fun type of vacation. But I really decided not to do that and part of the reason is because of the expenses," said Torkelson.

"We don't travel like we used to, definitely. You can't afford it. You have to pay for gas and groceries and those other things that are more important. So we've definitely cut back on our traveling," said Ryan.

However, when it comes to every day commutes; drivers say they are simply forced to fork over the cash.

"I guess you have to make ends meet and you need gas, so if you have to cut back in some other areas, you have to do what you have to do, cuz we all need to get somewhere," said Torkelson.

The price we are paying now is the highest it's been in nearly five months.

The silver lining, though, is that gas prices are expected to drop some time in the coming weeks.