Despite being one of the busiest times for travel during the year, a lot of people are opting to stay local this Memorial Day Weekend. But as our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, it's not just high gas prices that are keeping people close to home for the holiday.

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NEW YORK STATE -- It’s that time of the year again. Warm weather, cook outs and heavy traffic.

"AAA is predicting that 34.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles or more away from home, that is up about 1.2 percent compared to last year,” said Diana Dibble, AAA Public Affairs Manager.

Despite some parts of New York reporting a 10 to 30 cent drop in gas prices since last year, not everyone can afford a Memorial Day trip. But that’s just one of the many reasons people are staying local this holiday weekend.

"I’m having a fire tonight and having some burgers and then tomorrow I have to go to work,” said Jessica Santerre, Johnson City Resident.

Ricky Ruffo, Binghamton Resident, added, "Today we’ve been delivering beer all day, it’s been pretty hectic, a lot of people want their beer. This weekend, I’m working tomorrow, after that I don’t know, not too much. Hang out with friends, barbecue, play some sports."

Many said they're planning cookouts and mini-getaways to campsites or local lakes options they say are cheaper, more relaxing and family-friendly.

"It's good to hang out with family, we all like to camp. We all kind of like the same things, so everyone brings their boats, my parents bring their dogs up, I'm bringing my dog and we kind of just hang out,” said Derrick Serbonich, Binghamton Resident.

Sharon Kenderish, Port Dickinson Resident, added, "Try to finish some flowers in the yard with my kids. My boyfriend and I will be grilling out. Then I'm heading out to my son's house out in Bainbridge for a big cookout this Sunday."

Others say they want to spend time with friends.

"I think we’re going to go to Turning Stone tonight, hopefully get back tomorrow for work on time,” said Ruffo.

Affordable local options this holiday weekend.