AAA projects more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, making it one of the busiest Memorial Day travel periods in years. The holiday honors U.S. military personnel who died in the line of duty and is widely considered the unofficial start of summer.
Gas prices are up sharply from last year. In North Carolina, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.19, compared with a national average of $4.51, according to AAA.
For some drivers, the higher cost is forcing changes to travel plans.
"I was going to take my dog to stay in Arizona, but now I'm going to take him to Asheville," said driver Marina Bosetti, citing gas prices and the challenges of long-distance travel with pets
Others are choosing to stay closer to home. Jeremy Jones, who lives in Raleigh, said his family plans to keep things local.
"No plans at all. So, I'm just hanging out with the kids. Probably go to the park," Jones said.
WalletHub recently ranked the Raleigh-Cary metro area among the top 20 summer travel destinations in the country, making local outings an appealing option for families looking to save.
Jones said his family often visits nearby attractions.
"We try to take them to Marbles or something fun like that," he said. "If it's not too terribly hot, we do try to get them out -- Dix Park, the new play area, bike rides, the trails."
With prices rising on groceries and other essentials, Bosetti said she's also adjusting her shopping habits.
"I shop around the edges of the supermarket -- the fresh produce, the cheese and meat -- and stay out of the middle," she said.
Hiking, she added, remains an affordable activity her dogs enjoy.
Some families are still planning longer trips later this summer. Jones said his family expects to drive to St. Augustine, Florida, and recently purchased a more fuel-efficient vehicle to help offset costs.
Travelers preparing for the holiday weekend can check gas prices across the region using ABC11's price-tracking tool.