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COLUMBIA, S.C. -- With spring quickly approaching, many Midlands residents are planning vacations.

But with gas prices steadily increasing, many people like Joseph Dunn are making cost cutting moves. Dunn is the Co-owner of 5 Star Limousines in Columbia. Filling the tanks takes a chunk out of his budget.

"We have six cars in our fleet. And our fuel cost per week is probably around $600-$700 a week."

Dunn and his family planned on taking a vacation to Philadelphia to see family. But now will stay in the southeast.

"Unfortunately, with the cost of gas going up it does cut into our profits. But it's the price of doing business."

Marion Edmonds with the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism said it's a trend they've seen the last few years. But fuel still does not add up to other expenditures.

"We've discovered historically that the kind of increases don't have a significantly impact on travel and tourism. When you put that against the cost of motel rooms, campgrounds, meals and the other expenses, its just one portion of the overall package."

However, when people choose to stay close to home,  Edmonds said it often benefits the Palmetto State's economy.

"We are a closer destination than places like Georgia or Florida. Sometimes people adjust those costs will decide to go to a place they remember from the past like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, rather than drive that additional distance."

In the meantime, residents can only hope prices will decrease before they hit the road.