It doesn't matter what the weather is, an estimated 91 million Americans are set to hit the road for the holidays, including many from the north country.

Luckily, the price of fuel is dropping, which is a big help.

Travelers were lining up at the gas pumps Friday, waiting to fill up and head out of town for the holidays.

The price of gasoline isn't too painful right now. It's down over 20 cents from last Christmas.

In fact, some say Watertown's prices are comparable to cities farther south.

"Down in Providence, Rhode Island, they're literally the exact same I paid last night when I came up," said Peter Schneebeli.

The national average is $3.23 a gallon, about 7 cents cheaper than the average for Watertown. Even so, Watertown is much cheaper than the New York state average of $3.49 per gallon.

Some people traveling for the holidays can consider the price of gas as something of an early Christmas present, but don't expect that gift to keep giving. Experts say gas prices will increase in 2012.

"People can probably expect to see a price that's 80 cents to a $1.20  higher than whatever they're paying at Christmastime," said Gregg Laskoski of gasbuddy.com.

Officials say, however, that holiday plans are rarely affected by gas prices. So, even if the price of gas were higher, people would still be out on the roads.

"Fifty-nine percent of the travelers reported there's no economic impact on their travel plans," said Diana Dibble of the local American Automobile Association office.

But paying less to travel certainly helps.

"It's easier to do, easier to see family, so it's a good thing," Schneebeli said.

The prices may be different next year, but the lines at the pumps will likely be the same, no matter what.