For the first time in a decade, AAA is predicting fewer people will travel this Fourth of July. More
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For the first time in a decade, AAA is predicting fewer people will travel this Fourth of July.

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You can probably guess why: gas prices.

But that doesn't mean roads and airports will be empty. About one in eight Americans is expected to travel this weekend, but it's costing them more to do it this year.

Traveler Lacy McFayden was parking his camper recently after a trip from North Carolina to Vermont.

"This is probably the last time we'll be pulling a fifth wheel north for a while, maybe a couple of years, maybe even," McFayden said.

AAA said more than 40 million people will travel this weekend, which is 500,000 less than last year.

"I just spent $84.11 to fill up my tank, and you have to take that into consideration. I have three small children, and $84.11 eats into your budget," said Michelle Pikel, of Rockville, Maryland.

Rentals car rates are also up 12 percent from last year and airfares are up 13 percent.

Experts said you'll get the best deals flying from a big city because there's competition.

"The airlines, what they have to do is put more people on less planes. And if you want to go to Wichita Falls, you're going to pay a premium," said Tom Parsons of bestfares.com.

Hotels cost about the same as last year, and many are offering incentives.

"They offered $15 a day if we wanted to show a gas receipt," said vacationer Gina Marine.

Still, cash-strapped travelers are finding ways to cut back.

"They may actually shorten the duration of their trip (and) they may spend less on souvenirs and other incidentals," said Troy Green of AAA.

If you're forced to stay home, there's a new name for that: a "stay-cation."

You can check out the local sights or even your own back yard.

"I have a pool. So everyone's going to vacation at my house this year," said Bill Prince of Fredericksburg, Va.