AAA estimates the number of people traveling 50 miles or more by car for Thanksgiving will rise 11.6% over last year.
Art Guttierez from Rocklidge is one of the many who decided to avoid the airlines and drive 550 miles to see his family this Thanksgiving.
"I guess the way the airlines are with the body scans, it would be just as quick to drive," said Guttierez.
The tree trimmer by trade says he is concerned about the recent spike in gas, which showed no mercy on the company vehicle.
"Actually I filled up yesterday, put $120 in, and I got to put another $100 in," said Guttierez.
"The gas prices are ridiculous, what happened?" asked Jerry Washington of Northeast Philadelphia. "A couple days ago they went up like $.10 or something a gallon."
AAA says that jump was even higher compared to last year.
In Philadelphia, the average was $3.01 per gallon on Friday, compared to last year when it was about $.30 cheaper. It's the same story in South Jersey and Delaware.
But AAA spokesman Rick Remington says in spite of the hike, even more people than last year are expected to hit the road.
"People have been in gas shock before when it was $4.00 a few summers ago. So, we don't think it's going to affect travel plans," said Remington.
And those taking to the roads this holiday season don't seem to mind it either.
"It's one of those expenses, you have to deal with," said Mark Pierfy of Manayunk.
