Going to Texas?

So, a couple of months ago, we told our oldest, James, that we were probably going to Texas this summer for a visit. This was before gas cost $4/gallon. We thought we might even make a road trip of it. Now, we're reconsidering this idea but his brain has run with it. He's been telling other people that we're going to visit Texas this summer as I've been telling Irene that we may have to rethink taking this trip. In fact, I really don't see how we would be able to afford this trip. Travel cost is ridiculous right now and we're not exactly rich. So, how do you tell a 9-year-old that has problems with fixation on certain things (TV shows, comic book characters, trips to TX) that we may not be able to take that trip? Ugh! I'm not looking forward to that conversation.