ST. LOUIS — There will be some pressure at the pump as we head into the Memorial Day weekend.
Many pulled out the cash and cards to fill up for the big holiday travel on Friday.
Gas stations were still busy in greater St. Louis as Missouri's gas price average hit a record high at a whopping $4.17 per gallon.
According to AAA, despite those higher travel costs, close to 800,000 Missourians will still travel between May 26 and Monday and 89% of them are taking road trips.
Statistics showed a 10% increase from 2021.
"Just traveling. Just visiting different places. Family, friends.” Jackie Meeks stopped in St. Louis on a trip from North Carolina to Michigan.
"The lowest we've seen is $3.99 and the highest we've seen is $4.59 in that area. Luckily," she said.
After a long two years of pandemic restrictions, she told 5 On Your Side she was letting nothing stop her.
"Nobody wants to stay home. I didn't. I wasn't going to change my travel plans just because of gas," Meeks said.
Donald Hillis traveled three hours from the Quad Cities and was in St. Louis for the first time to celebrate.
"A little family vacation. We have a 5-year-old and so we're going to go to the children's museum. So the rain. the gas prices. Nothing is going to stop us from pleasing the 5-year-old," Hillis said.
Hillis filled up on just under $45, saying he made the right choice to bring his wife’s truck which had a smaller tank.
Many agreed that the hole in the pocket would not stop them from getting on the road for a destination celebration.
"Things got to be done so just a little bit less in savings you know but nothing is going to stop the family vacation," Hillis added.
More than 5 million people in the U.S. will catch a flight for the weekend, or use the bus, train, and cruise ships.
As so many will be on the road, officials urge drivers to leave plenty of time to get where they need to be to help ensure safety.