The number of Ohioans traveling over the thanksgiving holiday is expected to increase slightly compared with last year as travelers feel the pinch of the sluggish economic recovery.

Auto club AAA expected nearly 1.7 million Ohioans to travel at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday and Sunday. AAA says most travelers were expected to hit the road, as automobiles are often the preferred option for more flexible, affordable travel.

Ohio's average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.52 in Wednesday’s survey a penny cheaper than last week but up nearly 30 cents from this time last year.

Air travel was expected to decline slightly in Ohio and nationwide, with about 123,000 Ohioans flying during the Thanksgiving period. 

Meantime, gasoline prices have taken a slight dip in West Virginia over the past week.

The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in the state is $3.53. That's less than a half cent lower than a week ago and 12 cents higher than a year ago.