SYRACUSE -- If high gas prices got you thinking about canceling your summer travel plans you may want to reconsider.

Gas prices are falling, and falling fast. Prices have dropped another five cents over the past week alone to the national average of $3.61 cents a gallon.

Here in Central New York, the average for a gallon of unleaded gas is $3.71 cents a gallon. That price is about a quarter cheaper than one month ago and 30 cents cheaper than back in April when prices went above $4 per gallon. Diana Dibble, with AAA, says the weak worldwide economy is driving gas prices down a trend that is expected to continue throughout the summer travel season. "We're hopeful as we get into July 4th and Labor Day, lower prices will continue to to encourage everyone to travel," she says.

That's good news for travelers like Dennis Johnson who says the drop in gas prices could not have come at a better time. "I'm going to maybe take a little vacation and take the kids somewhere. It's a great time now that prices have come down a little bit," he says.

Analysts expect gas prices to continue to drop 20 cents per gallon by Labor Day.