Wondering whether to travel this Thanksgiving holiday? You might want to hear a bit of testimony from Frank McKeny.

The Biloxi, Miss., resident stopped into the South Carolina Welcome Center in North Augusta on Saturday with his family on an early holiday trip to Lexington, S.C. Although it wasn't the reason he decided to travel, he said, falling gas prices certainly made his drive more pleasant.

"That will save us $150 probably the whole trip," he said.

Michael Heaton and his family also stopped at the center Saturday on an early holiday excursion from Ringold, Ga., to see family in North Augusta. The lower price of gas, he said, was "the determining factor" in their decision to travel.

So could declining prices at the pump mean more motorists on the road?

AAA said earlier this month that about a half-million fewer people were expected to travel nationwide this Thanksgiving, but AAA officials now seem to think that estimate could change.

"While it's clear that the slowing economy has caused many of us to curb spending, this holiday that celebrates family traditions might see actual travel numbers that are better than expected, especially with gasoline prices continuing to fall," said Kevin Bakewell, of AAA Auto Club South. "The lower-priced gasoline may persuade some who weren't inclined to travel to change their minds."

Judy Reville, with Augusta's AAA office, agrees.

"Since the change in the economy, it (travel) has been a little lower than in the past, but it seems to be picking up," she said.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety also is expecting more motorists.

In the Southeast, AAA estimates that 8.8 million people could travel by car and 1.2 million by plane.

In Augusta, according to AAA, the average cost of unleaded gas was $1.81 per gallon as of Saturday -- $1.20 less than a year ago. Ms. Reville said she expects prices will continue to decline through the end of the year, just at a slower pace.

Already, some area rental-car businesses say they're seeing increased demand for the holidays.

"It's been actually a very high demand in rental altogether, but mostly vans," said Ronnieka Key, who works for Avis at Augusta Mall.

Debbie Graham, of Waters Van and Car Rental in Martinez, said she has seen a similar trend, adding that with gas prices dropping some might be more inclined than in the past to rent large, roomy vehicles.

Not everyone is seeing the increase just yet, though.

"Ours is almost a 35 to 45 percent decrease," Brandon White, of Economy Rent-a-Car on Washington Road, said Friday. He said he still expects an uptick before Thanksgiving. "By Tuesday, our whole tune probably will have changed."

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 823-3338 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com