Fewer people have lost jobs in the Intermountain West than elsewhere in the country, so with a holiday weekend ahead, AAA Travel figures Westerners are more likely to travel than anyone else.

And with gas cheaper than last year and plenty of deals to be had -- from airlines, resorts, hotels and restaurants -- why not?

"Many Americans remain cautious about the outlook for their personal finances," said AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough, citing national projections that 37.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles this Fourth of July weekend, down 1.9 percent from a year ago.

But AAA predicts 2.5 million people in the Intermountain West will be on the go this weekend, up 1.2 percent from last year.

"The predicted travel increase we're seeing may be because of low unemployment numbers, compared with the rest of the country," she added, noting that declines are foreseen for all other regions.

Most of that travel will be done in cars -- roughly 2.1 million travelers -- as consumers respond to lower gas prices ($2.59 per gallon Tuesday along the Wasatch Front, compared with $4.09 a year ago).

But AAA also forecasts a 9.7 percent increase in air traffic in the Mountain West, enticed by airfares about 16 percent below last year.

"Given the state of the economy, many have put their travel plans on hold," Fairclough said. "But those who take the plunge will find attractive discounts that can make a substantial difference in vacation expenses."

Morris Murdock Travel spokesman Jim Barsch believes the increase in air travel will be closer to 4-5 percent. But "there are some incredible deals right now," he added. "What's moving now is mostly Disney and Mexico, but Hawaii has picked up, as well."

In Kanab, Kane County Travel Director Kay Giles said business people are confident the Fourth of July holiday will attract sizable crowds.

"A lot of the market with this economy has been day travel, where people can make it to their destination within a day," she said. "We'll probably get quite a few people from Salt Lake, maybe even Phoenix and Flagstaff, going to [Coral Pink] Sand Dunes or visiting the national parks.

"People are looking for a getaway that is affordable for them, and we're in a good location there."

Over in Torrey, Wayne County Travel Council Director Jo Sojourner isn't quite as confident but still hopes Capital Reef National Park will draw crowds.

"We had a really good year last year -- our transient room tax revenue was up 26 percent -- so I'm hoping we hold steady. Indications are we won't be as high, though," she said. "Still, most of the business owners are optimistic."

AAA projects an average family of four in the Mountain States will spend $1,226 over the weekend, logging 662 miles round-trip.

mikeg@sltrib.com

Safety at home and online

AT HOME

To keep your home safe if you're traveling this holiday weekend, Protection One, the third-largest provider of security systems to homes and businesses, is providing these tips:

Secure all windows to reduce chance of easy entry. Cut tree limbs away, secure second-story windows.

Remove objects, such as ladders or trash cans, that can be used to reach windows or scales fences.

Do not leave online or voice-mail messages letting people know you are gone.

Turn telephone ringers down so no one outside can hear repeated rings.

Stop all mail and newspaper deliveries or have someone pick them up daily.

Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know the best hiding places.

If your car is parked in the driveway, have a friend move it occasionally.

Use timers to turn inside lights on and off.

Don't leave garbage cans filled with packaging from recent, high-dollar product purchases.

If you have a security system, ask alarm provider about ways to get alerts via cell phone or handheld computer.

Source: www.ProtectionOne.com

WHILE ON THE ROAD

Norton, the online security division of software company Symantec, offers these bits of advice to avoid being susceptible to cyber criminals seeking your personal information through wireless networks at airports, hotels and other locations:

Pay attention to your surroundings. The guy sitting next to you can read your laptop screen. Even if it's a vacation, you're still in public.

Beware of "Evil Twins:" Some Wi-Fi networks can appear legitimate, but are not. Criminals can create "dummy" networks or Web sites that contain the name of the airline, hotel or airport, but actually direct your information to their own computer. Always use access keys provided by the airline, hotel or airport. They will protect you.

Always assume someone is eavesdropping on your Wi-Fi connection. Never enter bank account information, social security numbers.

Set Bluetooth devices to "hidden," not "discoverable," or turn off altogether.

Keep security software current and active.

Source: www.symantec.com/norton

Finding cheap gas

For the best prices on gas, you can go to www.saltlakegasprices.com, www.gasbuddy.com or gasprices.mapquest.com