Gasoline prices are so visible but they are a relative thing.
As a teenager, gasoline was priced at about .29 (yeah I'm 62 now). My wages went up along with gas costs. During the 1960's the gas mileage of most cars was under 20mpg. Today's vehicles offer improved mileage as you know. By my estimate I can travel farther today on a gallon adjusted for inflation than 30-40 years ago.
Just the same I try to drive efficiently & plan ahead to economize. I drive a 2002 Subaru Outback & with synthetic oil the mileage is 29mpg on a good day.
I likewise have sons & granddaughters living on the other side of the U.S. Cheaper to fly then drive to see'em.

But it makes little sense to drive a few hundred miles to walk 10 or 20, does it?