Virginia travelers are projected to have another record-breaking holiday season, as AAA projects 3.1 million to be traveling with friends and family during this extended holiday period, from Sunday through Jan. 1, according to a AAA Tidewater Virginia press release Wednesday.

This represents a 3.5-percent increase from the previous year. Almost 2.9 million will be traveling by automobile, which is a 3.4-percent increase compared to last year.

“’Tis the season for holiday travel, and more Virginians than ever will journey to spend time with friends and family or choose to take a vacation,” Georjeane Blumling, vice president of public affairs for AAA Tidewater Virginia, stated in the press release. “Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for seasonal travel. With a record-breaking number choosing to travel this holiday, roadways and airports are sure to be busy.”

The press release also states that drivers this holiday season have not been scared off of Virginia roadways by prices at the gas pumps.

As of the Wednesday press release, the average price for a gallon of gas in Virginia was $2.29 per gallon, which is a cent less compared to both last week and last month, but also 12 cents more compared to the same time last year.

In Hampton Roads, the average price was $2.22 per gallon. That’s one cent less compared to last week, two cents less than last month and 14 cents more compared to the same time last year.

“While gas has been higher than last year, it has not scared consumers off from taking a road trip this year. Steady gas price averages, combined with rising disposable income, is motivating more Americans to hit the road this holiday season,” the press release states.

Gasbuddy.com on Thursday recorded regular gas prices in Suffolk that ranged from $2.14 to $2.29 per gallon, which is the same range that was recorded on gasbuddy.com on Dec. 13.