AAA says holiday travel to increase

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - AAA is predicting that 1.3 million more Americans will be driving to their Thanksgiving destinations this year than last year.

If that's correct, 33.2 million people will be commuting to their family feasts by car.

AAA is also predicting that 38.4 million people will be traveling more than fifty miles for Thanksgiving.

22News asked Smith College students if they planned on flying home for the holiday.

Most said airfare was too expensive for a four day break. Eileen Joan is from San Diego. She said she is going to take a bus to Providence to spend the holiday with friends.

Johanna Zhera is from Greece. She said flying home isn't worth it because it's too far away and expensive. She said "I'm going to New Jersey. I'm going by car to see friends and relatives."

Some say the recession and high airfare prices are the reason why holiday travel has been down 62% this decade.