Busiest travel day of the year!

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - It's the busiest travel day of the year!
    
Hundreds of people passed through the crossroads of America Wednesday for that huge Thanksgiving dinner.

The Wabash Valley is buzzing with travelers heading away for the long weekend.

“We’re going to Alabama to see family,” said Scott, Thanksgiving traveler.

“We go there every year. Usually, we just have dinner and eat lunch, play a few games out in the yard,” said Conner, Thanksgiving traveler.

“I’m going to Lebanon, Indiana. (Who are you going to see?) I’m going to see my youngest daughter,” said Cheryl, Thanksgiving traveler.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year.
    
AAA says over 40 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home for Thanksgiving. More than half of these travelers plan to drive.

Drivers heading away for the holiday are giving thanks for many things, including the recent downtrend in gas prices.      

But the national average will be at its highest ever on this Thanksgiving holiday.

“They’re not too bad right now. It’s a little higher than normal,” said Scott.

“Outrageous to me, I think,” said Conner.

“Better than some I’ve seen. At least I’m happy about that,” said Cheryl.

Travel volume during the Thanksgiving holiday period continues to increase from their low point in 2008. And with it comes heightened awareness from holiday drivers.

“I watch. I try to keep right at the speed limit. And sort of keep an eye on who’s doing what. Where they’re going, because I don’t want my, this is my only baby right now, so I want to keep it in one piece,” said Cheryl.

So Cheryl can make sure she sees her grandchildren this holiday.
    
Slightly more Americans will hit the road this Thanksgiving according to AAA. That includes people who are choosing to drive instead of fly as budgets allow.