Rethinking summer travel: Is it worth the gas money?

At parades, festivals and cookouts on Monday, suburban residents celebrated the unofficial start of summer.

But many are reconsidering their traditional summer travel plans because of rising gas prices.

"My husband and kids are campers, but this year it will cost too much to pull a camper," said Mary Ahlers of Buffalo Grove. "We usually get up to Michigan and Wisconsin, but we will be spending more time at home this year."

The difference for some residents was apparent Monday, as they walked or biked to Memorial Day events.

Leo Shales, manager of Bandito Barney's in East Dundee, said he had a huge crowd this weekend, which he attributes to more people staying home.

"Usually, it's kind of an off-weekend, where everybody leaves town," he said.

Several suburban families said they are planning to scale back vacations this year.

"We're definitely staying in the Midwest," said Michele Wiedmann of Warrenville.

The family's motor home has gone unused this year. They have one church camping trip planned, but beyond that are unsure what their travel plans will be.

Arlington Heights resident Kristin Walter said her family's usual 1,000-mile drive to Colorado is out of the question.

"It's almost cheaper for all six of us to fly to Colorado," she said. "We will be staying close to home this summer."

But for some people, the sacrifices are more personal.

Wheaton resident Robin Morphew has given up on attending her stepbrother's wedding near Detroit next month.

"I'm just going to send a card with a 'Sorry I couldn't be there' note attached," she said. "I held out for the longest time, but with gas prices the way they are, it's going to be just too expensive to go."

For others, higher prices at the pump means changing their habits.

For family outings to Chicago, the family cars have been swapped out for Metra rides, said Lucy Scruggs of Elgin.

"We would drive and park, but even the parking is ridiculous," she said.

Jaci Thomas of St. Charles isn't planning a lot of summer travel and takes Metra to work, but still bought a hybrid car this spring to save money.

"I don't travel that much, but it should help," she said. "People are just doing what they can."

Mary Scott of Carol Stream rode her bicycle to Wheaton's Memorial Day parade, a means of transport she's getting more used to.

"I always ask myself if any trip I'm making is really necessary by car," she said. "Many times it's not."