As Georgians prepare for spring break travels, high gas prices leave many hoping for relief

Gas prices are continuing to climb across the country as the war with Iran drives up the price of crude oil.

For the first time in four years, the national average for a gallon of regular gas exceeds $4 a gallon, AAA reports.

In Georgia, the average price for a gallon has reached slightly more than $3.70. That's up more than eight cents compared to a week ago and 90 cents more than the same time in March.

The increase comes as families across metro Atlanta prepare to hit the road next week for spring break.

Earlier on Thursday, Christopher Johnson was filling up his car in Dunwoody. He said he's getting ready to spend his daughter's spring break in Panama City Beach.

Johnson told CBS News Atlanta they picked PCB as their vacation spot because it's closer than Destin, so he's hoping to save a little on gas.

The Georgia dad says he's budgeting $400 in gas money alone for this trip.

"We're taking a truck, a three-row, so it's going to be — I can only imagine how much it's going to cost us. So very, very much high - same as flying almost when you think about gas there and back," Johnson said. "So yeah, it's horrible. I hate it."

Johnson is hoping that things improve and that President Trump is working to help drop the costs.

"We're praying on it. Fingers crossed, guys," he said.

Officials with AAA say Gov. Brian Kemp's suspension of the state gas tax is helping provide some relief, but with higher oil prices, increasing seasonal demand, and the switch to a summer gasoline blend, prices over the near term are likely to remain under pressure.

There are ways people can save money here and there. Some phone apps, such as GasBuddy, show you prices at nearby gas stations.

Gas station rewards programs can also help you save on fuel.