Millions of people are hitting the road to kick off the unofficial start of summer.

AAA says more than 36 million people will pack the nation's highways and roadways on holiday weekend trips, traveling at least 50 miles from home.

The Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer travel season, and this year, the number of holiday travelers will increase by one and a half percent over last year's figures.

Some experts say many are eager to hit the road after a brutal winter.

The majority of people, 88 percent, are expected to drive, and will find prices at the gas pump, on average, about $3.63 a gallon, slightly lower than a year ago. But as is usually the case, gas prices in the Hudson Valley will continue to be higher than in other parts of the country.

For other costs associated with the holiday weekend, hotel room rates are up about 2 percent this year, and the cost to rent a car, has increased by about 1 percent. But if you plan to take to the skies, you'll have to dig deeper into your wallet to pay for your tickets. Airfares have reportedly climbed 6 percent over last Memorial Day.

New York State Police will be out in force, issuing citations for drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seatbelts. It's all part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, that lasts through June 1.