Millions are traveling this season

It’s the time of the year where crowds are part of the scenery.

People are traveling to see their loved ones.

Like the Thompkin sisters. They’re honoring a holiday tradition by getting together.

Liz Thompkins explains how they do it: “we take turns, they come up (to Colorado Springs) one year and we go down (to Texas) one year.”

This year it’s her sister Amy’s turn to travel. She chose to fly, but low gas prices made her consider a different option.

“I did consider driving,” said Amy Thompkins.

Amy had only recently arrived in town, but we found some visitors who had already seen some of the sights.

“We did go to Garden of the Gods yesterday and it was beautiful,” said Karla Scobie of Austin, Texas.

Luckily for travelers, gas prices are down by about a quarter a gallon compared to this time a year ago.

Liz Thompkins is not disappointed with the lower prices.

She said, “I love “em. It gives us a lot more flexibility to go and do (things).”

That’s leading to some staggering travel numbers. AAA says that more than 100 million people are expected to be on the move.

That would be a new record. And it’s not only by car but also by plane.

Low gas prices are one big reason that more people are going to be hitting the roads and airports.

Here in Colorado, however, snowy weather this weekend might put a damper on the travel plans.

We found some who were concerned about the chances for snow.

“We are worried about going back,” said Scobie.

Some others are not as concerned.

“My brother (is) a pretty good driver, I trust him,” said Amy Thompkins.

It seems as though for most people the spirit of the season will drive them on rather than some tricky travel conditions.

According to AAA, the number of travelers is up a little more than one per cent compared to a year ago, marking the seventh consecutive year of higher holiday travel numbers.