Despite increased travel costs along with gas prices well above the $2 range, Nevadans are still planning to travel over the July 4 weekend, according to AAA Nevada.
AAA estimates that more than 360,000 Nevadans will travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend, an increase of 3.1 percent from last year. More than 290,000, or about 83 percent, are expected to travel by car, which is a 2.7 percent increase from last year.
"The Fourth of July is usually a good holiday around here," said Virginia City Station owner Madeline Reutzel. "The fireworks have been attracting more and more people."
She will shut down her station on North C Street at 9 p.m., just as the city's firework show begins.
Mohammad Ahmad, owner of Eagle Gas and Save in Carson City and two other area stations, said he notices business jumps on Friday and Monday - the days when travelers fill up as they arrive in and leave from Carson City.
"I hope business will be good," he said Friday. "So far I see a lot of traffic but it's not as much compared to last year. I'm seeing more today, but I'll see more on Monday."
More than 58,000 travelers, or about 16 percent, plan to reach their destinations by air, which is a 5.1 percent increase from 2004. More than 18,000 Nevadans plan to travel by motorcycle, train or bus.
Nationally, AAA predicts that more than 40.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home. About 34 million are expected to travel by motor vehicle.
To calculate the gas cost of your trip this weekend visit http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/TripGasPrice.aspx.
n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.