Travel Tips This Memorial Day Weekend

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--It's the unofficial start to summer--Memorial Day Weekend is underway.

Amy Yensi has some travel tips.

If you're out on the road or plan to be, expect lots of company.

Maryland motorists take to the roadways--ushering in the summer season, with a trip to the shore or some other family outing.

"I think everyone is just eager to get outside, get some sunlight and spend time with their families," said Matt Parsons.

Ragina C. Averella with AAA Mid-Atlantic says the roads will be extra crowded this Memorial Day Weekend so she recommends packing some patience for the trip.

"We really encourage everyone to give themselves ample time knowing that they can face some major congestion along the way," she says.

The agency estimates a 4.5 jump in Marylanders travelling during the holiday weekend, compared to this time last year.

With just over 800 thousand travelers taking to the roads or airways during the holiday period--a vast majority of them by car.

It all comes down to the dollar signs. Experts say the price of gasoline is the reason why so many are choosing to drive this Memorial Day Weekend.

"Even though gas prices have trickled up over the last few weeks, we're still seeing record-lows in the amount we're paying at the pump," Averella says.

Paying less to celebrate the unofficial start summer, while some focus on enjoying the time off while others are taking time to reflect.

One Vietnam veteran says that's what the holiday is really about.

"I'm very grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to have served and to have survived because Memorial Day actually commemorates those who didn't," said Brian Holmes, Veteran, Vietnam War.

AAA says here in Maryland gas is about 90 cents less compared to this time last year.

AAA recommends that you travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.

For the latest traffic delays CLICK HERE.