If you've filled up lately, you've probably noticed gas prices jumped nearly twenty cents in the last month.

"I think they are astronomical and ridiculous," Dr. L.D. Tate said.

Experts said that usually happens near Spring because refineries undergo maintenence.

And with clear sky's above, summer has a brighter outlook. According to experts, they say gas prices are actually expected to be lower than what they are right now, clustering the $2.50 mark. With that said, AAA reps said more people will likely travel this summer.

"The economy is stabilizing and from what we've seen so far, people are starting to travel in more ways," AAA rep Beth Mosher said.

"Once we actually get into the summer months we get into what I call the realization stage and that tends to bring some lower prices," 23 News Oil Expert Jim Ritterbusch said.

That's good news to many drivers who see gas prices as a determining factor in their decision to a take a summer vacation.

"My daughter loves to go swimming at the Wisconsin Dells. So we'll probably go there if the gas prices go down," Sheila Hilden said.

"I think if the gas prices will go down, first off the economy will raise the spirits of the people," Dr. Tate said.

However, it won't be a smooth ride. Experts said prices will jump up and down a bit and drivers expect it.

AAA link to map route and plan trip: AAAMaps.com