Interstate 81 seems to be busier than usual with folks driving to their Labor Day destination. But it's not just local roads, this year AAA is predicting 28 million people driving during Labor Day weekend.

The Bristol rest area offers a quick break for the Stewarts during a 1,500 mile road trip from Colorado to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. "It was the cheapest way to get this many kids and that many adults somewhere, but it's fairly expensive," said Charles Stewart.

Gas prices are playing a big role in their Labor Day celebrations and the Stewarts say they're cautious about filling up. "You know which states are cheaper than others, so we do a lot more filling up," added Stewart.

The average gallon of regular gas in the U.S. costs $3.82 but in the Tri-Cities it's a bit cheaper.

According to AAA on Saturday a tank of regular gas costs $3.65, one week ago that same tank of gas was just $3.51, and one year ago drivers were paying $3.46 a gallon.

Sylvia Crawford is traveling from Pennsylvania and she's doing all she can to get the most for her money, "We do put it in cruise control and we try to save on air conditioning."

But the price at the pump is also a deciding factor on how long this holiday weekend will last. "Well we're trying to stay as long as possible because it is a longer drive and because you need the gas," said Jon Hudson traveling from New Jersey to Asheville, North Carolina.

According to AAA gas prices this Labor Day weekend are the highest ever for the holiday. But some experts say prices at the pump will drop after Monday.