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According to AAA, more than 37 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles this year. Most will travel by car. Accuweather

The long Memorial Day Weekend signals the unofficial start of summer. Day trips, road trips and other journeys in search of summer activities make this weekend one of the busiest of the year. 

However, before you hit the road in search of cooler temperatures or to roam through a selection of vibrant landscapes in the Grand Canyon State, take note: gas prices during the holiday weekend are expected to be the highest Arizonans have seen in seven years. 

In the days leading up to the weekend, the American Automobile Association released data showcasing the steady increase in national averages. Regular unleaded gas prices on average increased to $3.04 since Monday across the U.S., rising a mere penny, data showed. 

In Arizona, the average price per gallon was slightly higher, with prices across the state reaching $3.12 on Thursday evening. This was higher than April’s price for regular unleaded gas, which averaged $3.05 per gallon.

Diesel prices, however, have fluctuated on a more minute scale, ranging between $3.10 and $3.15 for the past month. 

Your price mileage may vary

The average price at the pump will vary based on the county or state you plan to travel to this weekend. 

Arizona’s highest prices were based in the western portion of the state, with Coconino and Mohave counties reaching $3.30 and $3.28 respectively. 

In the state’s metro areas, Flagstaff took the cake with $3.30 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. This was followed by Lake Havasu-Kingman topping off at an average of $3.28 per gallon. 

This amount is high, even when compared to rates in the Valley. The average price per gallon reached $3.14 in Maricopa County, with prices just pennies higher in Peoria and a handful of East Valley cities.  

Data analysis aside, if you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead or to simply get your kicks along I-40, you may first want to consider fueling up in the less pricey Yavapai County. Pump prices there were approximately $3.08 on Thursday evening. 

Journey east for a deal

The lowest prices could be found in southeastern Arizona’s Greenlee County, where you’ll find quaint mining towns, quiet campgrounds and the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The average gas price on Thursday sat at $2.93 per gallon.

Pima and Gila counties also had some of the lowest reported costs, each priced at $2.97 and $2.98, respectively. Tucson had the lowest average price for a metro area, with prices at the pump totaling just $2.97 for regular unleaded. 

If you’re hoping for an impromptu but inexpensive day trip, you may want to consider trekking to Globe, take an early drive up to Mount Lemmon or even traverse Rim Road just north of Payson. 

Or just simply avoid the weekend frenzy by watching another sunset on the patio, ice-cold drink in hand.

Reach breaking news reporter Monica D. Spencer at monica.spencer@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @monicadspencer.

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