Americans more likely to stay home for the holidays this year

An empty wallet or a year of guilt for being a Thanksgiving no-show?

That's the Hobson's choice facing Americans who dread the expense of traveling this time of year but want to be with family over the holiday.

In 2007, 41.6 million hit the roads and airports for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to estimates released by the AAA Tuesday. In comparison, only 41 million Americans will leave home to travel more than 50 miles to share a turkey leg with loved ones this month.

AAA analysts said the trend downward reflects the challenges the foundering economy presents for Americans. But the pull of family ties and reduced gas prices should keep terminals and highway busy enough, travel experts predict.

Fortunately for drivers, gas prices are actually more affordable these days, dipping to $2.11 a gallon in Illinois for regular unleaded - a $1.04 decrease from a year ago, AAA officials said.

About 33.2 million people will drive to an out-of-town holiday celebration next week, a 1.2 percent drop from 2007.

About 4.5 million will fly this year, versus 4.9 million in 2007.