(RALEIGH) -- Despite fare increases of up to 20 percent in crowded places, more North Carolina vacationers will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations than drive. Tom Crosby of Triple-A Carolinas says, unlike other holidays, gas prices have started to decline as Thanksgiving drew nearer.

"In the last two weeks we've seen gas prices continue to decline, maybe a couple pennies over the weekend. What's happening is the soft economy and the European crisis has sort of helped keep the price of gasoline down," he said.

The highest average price is in Boone at $3.40 per gallon of unleaded self-service.