Aided by lower gas prices than a year ago, more than 32 million travelers are expected to take vacation trips this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.

When compared to 2008, this represents an increase of 1.5 percent in the number of people who are expecting to take trips of 50 miles or more away from home.

About 27 million people - or nearly 83 percent of all travelers - are planning a road trip. This is an increase from last Memorial Day when 26.3 million travelers paid among the highest fuel prices on record to travel by motor vehicle.

This summer, AAA doesn't expect gas prices to average more than $2.50 per gallon. The current nationwide average price for self-serve regular is $2.25. Wyoming's average price for self-serve regular is slightly lower at $2.13.

"Last year, soaring gas prices and a deteriorating economy resulted in far fewer trips being taken than had been forecasted," AAA spokeswoman Denice Harris said in a press release. "The good news is sharply lower gas prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer, which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation."

AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight.

Regional gasoline prices*

City May 22 Year ago

Bismarck, N.D. 2.42 3.84

Scottsbluff, Neb. 2.42 3.77

Billings, Mont. 2.42 3.72

Riverton 2.36 3.72

Boise, Idaho 2.34 3.80

Fort Collins, Colo. 2.31 3.77

Denver, Colo. 2.30 3.78

Sheridan 2.28 3.65

Rock Springs 2.26 3.70

Casper 2.26 3.55

Gillette 2.26 3.53

Salt Lake City, Utah 2.25 3.73

Cheyenne 2.21 3.61

Jackson 2.17 3.73

Evanston 2.17 3.68

*Reflects average prices for regular self-serve.

Source: AAA