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Memorial Day travel is expected to reach new heights this year, with an estimated 45 million Americans planning to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday (May 21) and Monday (May 25). According to AAA's latest projections, this marks a slight increase from last year and sets a new record for the holiday weekend.
Of the total travelers, 39.1 million are expected to travel by car, despite higher gas prices compared to last year. As of May 11, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $4.52. Meanwhile, 3.66 million travelers are projected to fly, with average round-trip domestic flights costing $800, which is 6% cheaper than last year, according to WJBF. Other modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises, are also expected to see a 5% increase, with 2.2 million people traveling this way.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, noted that "Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it's a three-day weekend." Despite the rising fuel costs, many Americans are prioritizing leisure travel during this holiday period.
Popular domestic destinations include Orlando, Seattle, and New York, while international travelers are favoring Rome, Paris, and Vancouver, Canada. The Yahoo News reports that travelers should expect heavy congestion on Thursday and Friday afternoons, as well as on Monday. Sunday is anticipated to be the lightest traffic day.