GALVESTON – Gas prices are up, but it’s helping the tourist industry in Galveston. With tourism the highest it’s been in years, the island has turned into a summer destination.

It seems Houstonians are thinking twice about traveling long distances, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking a summer vacation.  Stefanie and Gerald Shelton are one of them.  They traveled from Houston to Galveston and parked their RV on the Galveston seawall. They call it their “beach house”.

"It's close," said Gerald.

Gerald laughs as he talks about the “long” drive, but he’s not laughing when he's filling up the RV.  The RV gets only 8 miles to the gallon, and with the cost of today's diesel prices, the Sheltons don't stray far from home.

"It cost more to drive the RV than it would to take a flight there," said Stefanie.

For them, going to Galveston is a $60 dollar round trip. San Antonio would cost them $235 dollars and a trip to South Padre Island would cost $440 dollars just for diesel. And if they wanted to go to Orlando, it would take more than $1100 to keep the motor running.

Stefanie and Gerald aren't alone on the beach in Galveston. Donald Woods, Sr. and his wife Demetrice are also taking a break close to home.

"The gas is too high. It's already up to $4," said Demetrice.

Galveston is 40 miles from their home in Pearland and is a vacation they can afford.

“We don't have to pay a brown penny sir,” said Donald.

"Free parking; free beach," said Demitrice. 

The City's own numbers also indicate that high gas prices are working out in Galveston's favor.

The city Finance Department says hotel/motel tax revenues are up more than 11.5 percent this year. Business owners also report brisk business. Both of these are evidence that travelers are staying close to home.