Despite the possibility of a soggy Thanksgiving and rising gas prices, more people are expected to travel on the holiday.

The AAA Auto Club South predicts 1.2 million people from Georgia will take to the roads or the skies this year, a 3 percent increase over last year.

"Last year, the travel numbers declined significantly because of the recession," said Gregg Laskoski, managing director for public relations for AAA.

While the recovery of the economy still has a way to go, Laskoski said the "attitude has brightened. People are more positive."

Billy Hagler of the Lebanon community said flying looks to be a cheap way to travel this holiday, and he's headed to New York next week.

"The airfare seems to be a little cheaper than it was last year," he said, noting he doesn't think it's a sign the economy has completely recovered.

Driving could be more costly than last year if prices remain steady.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $2.49 in the state of Georgia on Thursday, up from $2.44 a month ago and $1.93 a year ago at this time.

In an informal survey done Thursday by the Cherokee Tribune, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.39, with the lowest price dipping to $2.31 at several stations.

Carolyn Page of Holly Springs does not have to travel very far for the holiday since her family all lives locally, but higher gas prices are impacting her everyday life.

She travels to north Fulton where she works as a bus driver, but also used to take weekend trips all the time to places like Gatlinburg, Tenn. and the Carolinas.

"Now, that is a no," she said about the weekend trips. "I just don't have the money."

The Weather Channel's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies on Wednesday and Thursday clearing up to sunny weather on Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures will range from highs of 58 on Wednesday to 55 on Sunday, with lows in the high 30s to 40.

Peter Geiger, editor of the Farmer's Almanac, said he expects the weather to by dry leading up to the day of Thanksgiving, then turn wet and soggy.

"The travel back could be affected," he said about people driving back home after the holiday. "I would at least prepare for bringing an umbrella."