For the first time in a decade, fewer Utahns are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend -- which traditionally marks the peak of summer driving.

More than 400,000 Utahns are expected to travel 50 miles or more this holiday, a drop of 0.8 percent from last year -- the first decline in Independence Day travel in a decade, and the second consecutive drop in holiday travel since Memorial Day.

"Less disposable cash and an overall increase in travel expenses have caused Utahns to postpone or downsize their holiday getaways," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. An average family of four can expect to pay around $600 over the holiday weekend.

In the Provo-Orem area, a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline jumped to $4.02, up 16 cents from a month ago, and up 84 cents from a year ago. Statewide, gas prices climbed 18 cents to $4.09 from a month ago, and up 94 cents from a year ago. Airfares are up to 13 percent from 2007, while rental car rates are up 12 percent, according to the AAA Utah report.

"But while Utahns are being cautious about their spending, many are not giving up their vacation plans," Fairclough said.

More than 318,000 Utahns will drive this holiday weekend, down 0.4 percent from last year, while more than 66,000 Utahns will fly, a 3.2 percent decline from last year. The remaining 16,000 Utahns are expected to travel by other modes of transportation. 

Nationally, more than 40 million vacationers are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this four-day weekend, a 1.3 percent drop from a year ago.

"Clearly, gas prices have taken a toll on the entire spectrum of the travel industry," added Fairclough, "But many Utahns are still managing to take off for this upcoming holiday by carefully planning their trips and taking advantage of travel discounts offered to boost last-minute business."

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