More Californians Expected To Travel Over Memorial Day Weekend

The highest gas prices since 2014 apparently won't keep Californians from traveling this Memorial Day weekend.

Nearly 5.2 million Californians are projected to travel more than 50 miles or more over the upcoming three-day weekend, according to AAA.

"That's an increase of about 5.3 percent from last year and it's the highest total that we have on record for California," says Michael Blasky with AAA Northern California. He says motorists can expect to pay a lot more for gas compared to last year.

Sacramento's current average price of $3.58 is about 60 cents higher than a year ago. And in San Francisco, prices are about a dollar more than last year at $3.90.

"Despite all that," says Blasky, "people are still choosing to drive and I think it points to the strong economy. It's just not quite at the point where people are going to say, 'I've had enough, I'm going to stay home.'"

Air travel is also up in California. Nearly 528,000 Californians will take to the skies this holiday weekend, a 7.5 percent increase from last year.

"Sacramento's been a really busy airport for the last couple of holiday weekends," says Blasky. "It's best to probably plan to get there two hours in advance to make sure that you're not waiting in line as another full shuttle bus drives by and you realize that you didn't plan enough time ahead to make sure you make your flight."

If you'll be renting a car, AAA says the average daily cost of $59.00 dollars is 11 percent cheaper than last year.