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FORT MYERS, Fla.- AAA Travel projects 37.2 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 4.7 percent increase from the 35.5 million people who traveled last year and the highest travel volume for the holiday in 10 years. Kicking off the summer driving season, 33 million travelers will be driving to their destinations. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25. About 2 million people are expected to travel in Florida alone, most of them driving. AAA says the national average for a gallon of gas today is $2.73. In Southwest Florida, it is about $2.62. While these prices may seem high for the year, they are about a dollar cheaper than this time last year. “Following a harsh winter, many Americans are trading in their snow boots for flip flops and making plans to start the season with a vacation getaway,” said Marshall L. Doney, AAA President. “AAA is expecting more Memorial Day travelers this year than any time in the past 10 years as confident consumers come out of hibernation ready to explore national parks, beach destinations and America’s great cities.” A number of economic factors are contributing to the large increase in holiday travelers this year. “A strong employment market and low gas prices have driven consumer optimism to new highs and boosted Americans’ disposable income. This is welcome news for the travel industry,” continued Doney. FHP will be doing a DUI detail from 10 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Saturday morning, keeping an eye out for impaired drivers. You can also use AAA tow-2-go program if you need a ride home this holiday weekend. Just dial 855-2-tow-2-go.