According to recent data released by AAA, around 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend, setting another Memorial Day travel record.
And almost everybody is driving. An estimated 39.1 million people are expected to hit the highways, despite high gas prices. The national average for regular fuel recently climbed above $4.50 per gallon, far higher than this same holiday period last year. Yet does not seem to be slowing people down.
Afternoons are expected to be the worst, with long, crawling stretches of interstate. Coming home Sunday may be survivable, but Monday is a different story. Expect congestion all day Monday as millions make the same pilgrimage back home.
Stacey Barber of AAA Travel says “Travel demand remains strong,” and notes that people are still prioritizing quick escapes and vacations, even while travel costs continue to climb.
Airports are expected to be packed; however, flying has one surprising advantage this year: tickets are actually a bit cheaper for travelers who booked early enough. AAA estimates that approximately 3.66 million travelers will be flying domestically this weekend. Average round-trip fares are hovering around $800, which is roughly 6% lower than last year before rising jet fuel costs started creeping into airfare pricing.
Elsewhere, trains, buses, and cruise ships are seeing a noticeable bump. Around 2.2 million travelers are expected to use alternative transportation this Memorial Day weekend, helped in part by the growing obsession with Alaska cruises as the summer sailing season begins.
Orlando is the top destination on AAA’s domestic destination list. International travelers are flocking to Rome, where crowds are already beginning to swell ahead of peak summer tourism season.
AAA is warning drivers the importance of not ignoring the basics before leaving home. Last Memorial Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance.
If you’re traveling this weekend, toss an extra water bottle in the car, check your tire pressure, and leave earlier than you planned.
