SAN ANTONIO – That trip over the river and through the woods to grandma's house is likely to be more crowded this year, despite higher gas prices.
AAA estimated 38.2 million Americans will stuff the cars for Thanksgiving, a 4 percent increase over last year, as consumers put family over frugality.
Ramiro Aguirre said he will gas up his vehicle withhistorically high-priced gas for November and make the trek to Laredo.
"It's my family," he said. "So, it's worth it."
Linda Guerra will make a short turkey trot to Seguin for turkey and pumpkin pie, thankful to no longer be living up north.
"It was $4.16 over there. I'm thankful for the $3.09, so we're filling up the gas tank right now."
Local prices have dropped about a dime in the past month, but remain over $3, setting motorists up for a pricey holiday drive.
"I wish it was like before, two or three years back," said Aguirre.
A look back shows gas gobbling up more and more of the family budget each Thanksgiving.
While a gallon of regular is now $3.17 in San Antonio, it was $2.65 last Thanksgiving, $2.45 in 2009 and $1.65 in 2008.
"I remember it was only 20 bucks to fill up my car at that time," said Lori Do.