With gas prices the lowest they've been in 5 years, AAA said it expects more people to be on the roads this holiday period.
Bay area roads and interstates are filling up with people driving to their holiday destinations. Some people are planning long trips while others aren't straying too far from home.
"I am going to Jacksonville to visit my parents," said Nicole Kates of St. Petersburg. "We're going to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner and just have time off and enjoy it."
At a rest stop off I-75, Brandie Peretz had a car load of people that included her two brothers, her brothers' fiancé and Lucky the dog who was riding shot gun in the front seat. They were heading from South Florida to Alabama to visit their mom and dad.
"I really enjoy going," said Peretz. "Going shopping with my mom on Black Friday, and just getting a four day weekend from work and having dinner with family, and spending time together. Even the road trip is fun."
They said time on the road for their once-a-year trek gives them a chance to catch up.
"You get to see how everybody has changed in that year," said Morgan Smallwood. "Things are different every year, they change, sometimes a lot, sometimes not that much."
Heather Koop said it's her first time spending Thanksgiving with her new fiance's family.
"It's the beginning of a family tradition," said Koop. "Hopefully, every year we'll go to Alabama and eat Thanksgiving with his parents and my parents will meet me there, and that's pretty much the plan from here on out."
The group had an 11 hour drive so they planned to take turns at the wheel which safety experts said is a good idea.
Experts said it's also important to pack some patience in case you do hit traffic on the roads and allow plenty of time for any trips you take this time of year.