"A big road trip weekend:" AAA expects 39M Americans to travel this holiday weekend

MILWAUKEE -- AAA projects millions of Americans are traveling this holiday weekend -- that's the most in a decade. So, what's the reason behind everyone going on the move?

With cheaper gas and more money in people's pockets, AAA says whether it's by car, train, or something else, people are traveling this holiday weekend.

Many call it the unofficial kickoff to summer -- with a record number of Americans ready to celebrate.

AAA estimates 38 million Americans are packing up and hitting the road.

"Overall improvement in the economy and rising consumer confidence, but really gas prices are the big story this year," said AAA Director of Public Affairs, Nicholas Jarmusz.

We are looking at the lowest gas prices for Memorial Day weekend in over a decade, almost .50 cents below what they were last year, at this time for the Milwaukee area. And Wisconsinites are getting into the summertime groove especially after a cool and wet spring.

"Absolutely, it's a big road trip weekend. About 90% of the people that are going to be traveling will be traveling on the road," said Jarmusz.

Many others will make that trip by air, too.

"The average cost for the top 40 domestic destinations in the U.S. are down about 26% from where they were at this point last year," said Jarmusz.

Not everybody is leaving the state, some are venturing in to Wisconsin. Lori Hagen is spending the weekend in Brew City, coming all the way from sunny Florida.

"Orlando is fine. I connected in Atlanta, and Atlanta was kind of crowded. That was a full flight and it was busy there, but it's been very pleasant here," said Hagen.

Lori Hagen

Those that are leaving, like the Singelton's played it safer than sorry, they arrived four hours ahead of their departure.

"You only get one chance to miss the plane," said Josh Singelton.

Whether it's by plane, train, or automobile, law enforcement asks you to be diligent this holiday weekend -- that includes: no texting and driving, wear your seat belt and don't drink and drive.

Law enforcement will be out in full force for the weekend.