Airlines hike fares, gas prices hit $4 per gallon

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Five airlines, led by American, unleashed the 17th fare hike of the year this weekend. On Friday, June 6, American announced a $20 increase on a third of its routes, then extended the hike to all of its flights. United, Delta, Continental, and US Airways matched at least part of American’s increase over the weekend, leaving Northwest as the lone legacy carrier holding out. Air Canada and Midwest also joined in. This will be the 13th successful fare hike of the year if it sticks.

Compounding this news, the national average gasoline price cracked $4 a gallon this weekend, according to AAA. $4 a gallon! That’s an increase of almost a full dollar per gallon since January.

If you’re curious about the multiple factors influencing the price of gas and jet fuel, BBC News has a good roundup of news and analysis, including some attempts to clear up the fuzzy (at best) factors that cause oil prices to go up.

So what’s an aspiring traveler to do? I know I’ll be staying home, or close to it. Leave a comment below and let us know what your plans are.

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