AAA, an international automobile association formed more than 100 years ago, expects approximately 37.1 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend, down 700,000 or 1.9 percent from a year ago due to ongoing uncertainty about the strength of the economy, especially concern over rising joblessness and sagging personal incomes.

The recent rise in gasoline prices may also be causing some travelers to limit or abbreviate their holiday plans, although its impact on overall vacation costs remains minimal, AAA said.

Last year, 37.8 million Americans traveled during the same period, a 10.5 percent drop from the 42.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

The July 4th holiday is typically the busiest time of year for auto travel since nearly all school-aged children are out of school now and, as a result, parents are more apt to take family vacations at this time.

“Many Americans remain cautious about the outlook for their personal finances and these attitudes are reflected in the slight decline in travel we are forecasting for the upcoming holiday weekend,” said Robert L. Darbelnett, AAA president and CEO. “Those who do vacation this summer will find a plethora of attractive discounts and special offers resulting in some outstanding vacation values. If you can afford to go, this summer is a smart time to travel.”

Although fuel prices remain much lower than a year ago, the relatively steep price increase since May will dampen consumer enthusiasm for road trips. AAA projects a 2.6 percent decline in auto trips, from 33.4 million last year to 32.6 million this year. Also, more attractive airfares will contribute to the decline in auto travel.

AAA reported that although air travel will account for only 5 percent of July 4th leisure travel, the industry is expected to see a 4.9 percent increase in leisure travel bookings this holiday due to declining airfares and pent up demand from those who have not taken a vacation trip by air in some time.

Trips by other/multi modes, including air/auto combinations, rail, buses and watercraft, will be the dominant means of travel used by an estimated 2.5 million Americans, or 7 percent of all travelers.