WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioTravelers heading home for the holidays

Travelers heading home for the holidays

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -- 38.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this weekend according to AAA.

That's up from 2008, and while the majority of people will be driving themselves 2.9 million Americans will be using some other means of travel, like Amtrak.

For some it's a Thanksgiving tradition just like turkey and pumpkin pies.

"I'm just home for Thanksgiving break."

 For others it's the easiest and quickest way to travel.

 "Especially with a baby, it's the cheapest, quickest and easiest."

 A last minute ticket from Chicago to Quincy can cost as much as $70.

 But with gas prices near the three dollar mark, even a last minute train ticket can be cheaper than a tank of gas.

"It's really, really convenient, it's not very expensive it's just a convenient way to travel between here and school."

But whatever the reason, dozens of people boarded a packed train.

"At Union Station usually we just line up by Gate D or Gate C, we were in the Great Hall it was so packed."

Despite the hustle and bustle most say they're just glad to be home for the holidays.

"We're just so excited to all be together, it's the first time in months."

Air travel is expected to be down this Thanksgiving weekend by 6.7 percent.

Experts say that's most likely due to family budget concerns, reduced airline capacity and added charges.