More travelers than last year expected this Memorial Day Weekend throughout Southern California

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Joe Rivera at Conserve Fuel is busy putting up new numbers as gas prices rise.

"Very busy very busy we are swamped from the time I get here at 5:30 in the morning till The time I leave at 2 o'clock," said Rivera.

Given the high gas prices Rivera said he is not planning to go anywhere during this Memorial Day weekend.

But according to AAA, more than 2.8 million Southern Californians are expected to take trips this weekend thanks to increased vaccinations, declining COVID-19 statistics and pent-up demand.

Keith Bow of Santa Maria is driving to Cachuma for the holiday.

"For this Memorial Day my wife and my two sons will be going camping fishing hiking boating bonfires and many outdoor activities we can't wait to go," said Bow.

Despite high gas prices, managers here at Conserve Fuel say they're already seeing more customers getting gas ahead of this holiday weekend.

1.7 million Southern Californians traveled over last year’s holiday

This was a 49 percent drop from 2019 and the lowest number since AAA began tracking holiday travel numbers in 2000.

Nearly 90 percent of all travelers are expected to drive to their destinations, while more than 9 percent will fly.