The economic downturn continues to affect plans.

AAA Carolinas is forecasting a 2.4 percent lower number of travelers for the 4th of July holiday weekend compared to a year ago. That translates to an expected 452,459 motorists on the road for the long weekend.

The price of gas continues to rise in South Carolina, but the Palmetto state has the lowest cost at the pump according to AAA Carolinas.

AAA Carolinas is forecasting a five percent increase in travel for Memorial Day weekend compared to one year ago.

Upstate drivers should be able to find fuel available at one out of every two gas stations by Friday, according to a spokesman for AAA Carolinas.