ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- While some hit the water this Fourth of July, the number of cars on the road declines this weekend.

AAA projects that 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, while it sounds like a lot, it's a 2.5 percent decline as fuel prices sit at approximately one dollar per gallon higher than a year ago. Eight percent of holiday travelers are flying to their destination. Although the organization's report shows hotel room and airline prices have increased. Some drivers say they're surprised by the numbers.

Warren Wawczak, Coming from Oxford, Wisconsin, says, "Not thinking far ahead, I didn't realize it was gonna be a holiday weekend with a lot a holiday traffic on the road. I think coming home the road is better than I anticipated once I got behind the wheel."

Marlys Flavin, Heading to Frankfurt, Michigan, says, "Actually, we've been surprised how well the drive has been so far. We're wondering what Chicago will bring for us though."