LOS ANGELES — Millions of drivers are expected to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday despite the high gas prices at the pump.

Among those paying high gasoline prices are two friends, Kaitlyn Sill and Michelle Carels.

Sill said prices at the pump are "way too high. A little insane and takes my whole paycheck."

The Auto Club of Southern California said the current California average price per gallon is $4.71. In some cities in Southern California, like Beverly Hills, prices are $5.74 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Despite the high cost, Sill said she will drive with her 8-month-old puppy Chewie to Northern California to spend time with her family. For Carels, she will not have to drive as far because her family is nearby, which she is grateful for. 

"Filling up a truck is super expensive, so I probably would work extra just to be able to go," Carels said.

With more people vaccinated against COVID-19, drivers are getting back behind the wheel for the Thanksgiving holiday. Doug Shupe with the AAA said 90% of people will travel by car, and that is why they are predicting traffic to hit pre-pandemic levels. Shupe said 4.4 million Southern Californians are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with the vast majority taking road trips.

Back at the pump, Sill said she would fill up her car before she hits the road. She said the cost could almost be a plane ticket, but she likes to drive and is looking forward to one thing.

"Getting home and a home cooked meal is probably the reward at the end of it," she said.

While experts said the price at the pump could go either way right now, many are not letting that stop their holiday plans.