AAA projects the 2017 Thanksgiving weekend to see the largest volume of Thanksgiving travel since 2005, with an estimated 2.25 million New Englanders going away.

This is a 3.5 percent increase over last year, and most of the New Englanders traveling — nearly two million — are expected to be driving to their destination.

"Consumer confidence and an improving labor market are the two significant factors influencing Thanksgiving travel this year," Amy Parmenter, Connecticut spokesperson for AAA, said in a news release. "Across New England there will be more people on the roads and more travelers taking to the skies as well."

The prediction of increased travel comes despite gas prices being about 40 cents higher than last year, AAA said. As of Tuesday, the average gas price in the New London/Norwich area was $2.72.

The state average is $2.71, the ninth-highest in the country, according to AAA.

The automotive organization projects a 5.5 percent increase in New Englanders flying over the holiday, a greater increase than the nationwide figure. AAA defines the holiday travel period as Nov. 22-26.

Those flying will pay the cheapest airfare since 2013, according to AAA, but drivers will pay the highest gas prices since 2014.

Nationwide, AAA estimates that 51 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more.