CLEMSON — Even as gas prices near $4 per gallon, South Carolinians are ready to hit the road.

About 394,000 state residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). That’s about the same amount of travelers as last year’s figures

Since Easter 2008, gasoline prices have jumped 50 cents a gallon in South Carolina, setting record highs almost daily. Fuel prices in South Carolina have risen 64 cents a gallon since last Memorial Day.

Swollen oil prices have also increased airline operation costs. These will be passed on to fliers this weekend — either via more expensive tickets or a specific fuel surcharge, $50 to $150 a ticket. Airfares are expected to average $179, an increase of 8 percent since last year. Car rental rates are up to $45 a day — a $14 bump.

“This is the first major vacation of the year; it signals the beginning of summer, and despite high gasoline prices and an uncertain economy, motorists are not going to stay home,” said David E. Parsons, president and chief executive officer of AAA Carolinas. “The good news is many resorts are offering hotel and package discounts to encourage motorists to travel, including popular destinations like Myrtle Beach and Orlando, Fla. – two of the most popular East Coast vacation spots.

MILEAGE MOJO

With nutty fuel costs, drivers want mileage miracles. Some simple maintenance is a good place to start. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Mileage can also be increased by around 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure, by changing oil regularly.

And watch that lead foot. Gasoline mileage is cut 10 percent for every five miles per hour you travel over 65 miles per hour. Use cruise control whenever possible to maintain steady speeds and optimum fuel economy. Avoid abrupt starts and excessive idling, too.

“It remains unknown what a potential price of $4 a gallon gasoline would have on consumption,” Parsons said. “There have been past surveys in which motorists promised major behavioral changes when gasoline reached $2 a gallon and again when gasoline reached $3 a gallon, but those survey conclusions did not materialize.”

Besides fiscal issues, busy highways also raise safety concerns. Some measures are obvious (and mandatory): seat belts and child safety seats. If traveling at night, plan for extra time to avoid speeding. Stopping every two hours to rest or switch drivers is a good way to maintain focus for a long drive.

Last minute travel ideas can be tough to pull off during marquee times — like this weekend, according to Bill Norman, associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism a Clemson University.

“When I was younger, you could just tool for a holiday,” Norman said. “But on a weekend like Memorial Day weekend, you really need to have a reservation. Get online and book a room before you go.”

VACATION EVOLUTION

A struggling economy has helped shape a phenomenon Norman calls the “stay-cation”

“That when you stay at home and explore your own town or region. It’s not so good for the accommodation industry,” Norman said.

After driving more than 160,000 miles the last four years, Norman is no stranger to the road. When it comes to an easy trek, he said it’s all about timing. By using online resources like MapQuest, road warriors can plan their departures to avoid passing through traffic trouble spots — Atlanta, Charlotte, etc. — during rush hour.

Kayak.com — a Norman favorite — allows viewers to compare flights, hotels and other arrangements in search of top deals.

“People are looking for places to pinch,” Norman said. “I’m going to the North Carolina coast for the weekend, and we’re going to carpool with another family.”

In addition to sharing the ride, Norman expects many weekend travelers to buy groceries and eat-in while on vacation.

South Carolina’s tourism Web site, discoversc.com, offers tidbits for in-state jaunts. According to Norman, the site’s information on culinary tourism is of particular note. The site also contains details on S.C. natural resources and community events.

“There’s a lot of free stuff, from beaches, state parks to festivals,” Norman said. “We forget about all of those things the way we think. If you do some of this free stuff, you can afford to splurge a little on a meal or go to an attraction.”