The Triple AAA of the Carolinas predicts the lowest number of travelers in six years.

The agency says although an estimated 1.9 million North Carolinians will travel this Christmas, that's actually about 22,000 fewer people than during Christmas 2007.

Lower gas prices are encouraging some people to drive this holiday in order to get where they want to go.

And, although gas prices are down in North Carolina, out of state drivers like Gene Suggs of Virginia say they are surprised at how much more expensive gas is here compared to his home state.

"They're higher here in North Carolina than they are in Virginia. I'd say they're at least 10 cents a gallon higher."

Air travel continues to be a costly proposition for many this year.

One South Carolina woman who stopped at a rest area on Interstate 95 in Johnston County said she had to drive home for the holidays because she couldn't afford the airfares this year.

"Prices are too high and airport delays are too many," said Stephanie Mack as she prepared to continue on to her parent's home in Virginia.

The Triple AAA predicts Wednesday should be the busiest day on the roads, and with no major storms impacting the southeast, highway travel should be fairly easy.