(NEW YORK) -- North Carolina ranks just behind Florida, California and New York as the top vacation destinations for U.S. families this year.  That is according to the the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker.

More Americans are planning to travel this summer despite rising gas prices.  Nearly 70 percent of those with travel plans say they’ll travel with their immediate families, up from 45 percent in 2010, according the Tracker report.

“Staycations, popularized during the recession, are falling to the wayside as consumers go beachside instead,” said Claire Bennett, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Travel. “Most Americans will be enjoying their summer away from home this year with many planning multiple vacations.”

Vacationing consumers plan to take an average of two week-long vacations, spending an average of $1,200 per person, and three weekend-getaways with an average spend of $300 per weekend, according to American Express.

The survey does indicate that families are making sacrifices in order to afford a long-distance vacation.  Nearly 60 percent of Americans with travel plans will make trade-offs by reducing spending on routine purchases such as on dining out, clothing, home improvements, entertainment, and tech purchases.