Summer may still be several months away, but gas prices are already at a record setting high this time of year, and experts believe this is only the start.

Around the nation, gas prices are already hitting their peak rising higher, and faster, then in years past.

Pam Moen, spokeswoman for AAA says, "When you look at the gas price picture here in the United States and look at the map you'll see that there is a huge disparity in prices across the country."

Along the east coast gas prices are nearly $4.00 per gallon, parts of the Midwest just under $3.50 per gallon.

One of the reasons for the gas hike, Iran, "That is a major oil producing region of the world and if the situation continues to escalate there, that could be a major influence in driving up the price of crude oil," said Moen.

Lisa Marshall, Director for the Wisconsin Tourism Department, is already working on a new marketing strategy, "Staycations." Allowing residents to plan budget friendly vacations closer to home.

"The good thing about Wisconsin is that we have such big markets like Chicago within driving distance. They can make a vacation reservation at the last minute and decide on a Friday night," said Marshall.

With gas prices already seeing their highest numbers this year experts believe "Staycations," could be the new way to get away, while still saving money at the pump.

"The good thing about a Wisconsin getaway is that it's such a great value, we're really an inexpensive destination. We're close to home and we have such great things to do," said Marshall.

In Madison, gas prices are just over $3.30 per gallon, still below the national average. But experts believe those numbers can rise close to $4.00 per gallon, and beyond by Memorial Day.