The summer travel season is set to kick off over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, with more than 45.1 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. According to AAA, this year’s domestic travel forecast is a 1.4 million traveler increase compared to last year’s Memorial Day period. Despite the increase in holiday travel volume projections, and outside of the dramatic impacts on travel during COVID-19 in 2020, 2025 is projected to have the lowest year-over-year growth rate in nearly a decade—since 2016—for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. However, it’s clear that many Americans are taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home. “Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.”
These long holiday weekends offer travelers the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and reconnect with their loved ones. While many people will choose to hit the road, driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods, with 87% of Memorial Day travelers opting for road trips. According to AAA’s projections, 39.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. Drivers will have the benefit of cheaper gas prices this year, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline at $2.72. This spring, thanks to lower crude oil prices, gasoline prices haven’t seen typical seasonal spikes, and demand is expected to rise as the unofficial start of summer kicks off the busy driving season. For those renting cars over Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 is expected to be the busiest day for pickup. SUVs are some of the most popular rental vehicles for the long holiday weekend, with top destinations including Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle. In addition to driving, travelers are also turning to other modes of transportation, including air travel and trains. AAA projects 3.61 million air passengers, while 2.08 million people will travel by train, bus, or cruise over the Memorial Day weekend. For those planning a road trip, AAA is reminding travelers to stay safe during the holiday getaway by increasing traffic congestion, vehicle occupants, new surroundings, navigation, and vehicle tech as distractions. It advises drivers to stay alert, buckle up, give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination, focus on the roadway, and make use of Do Not Disturb settings on their smartphones. Ways to Save When Traveling
“Along with reminding travelers to stay safe during their Memorial Day getaways, AAA recognizes that economic concerns have many travelers looking for ways to stretch their travel budgets,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass. Here are some ways to save money when traveling:
• Gas: Even with gas prices lower than last Memorial Day weekend, drivers are looking to save at the pump. • Flexibility: Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare. Booking flights well in advance, considering alternative airports, and avoiding peak travel dates can all help reduce costs. • Train and bus travel: With affordable ticket prices and convenient routes, trains and buses can be a cost-effective alternative to flying. • Cruising: Cruises are becoming increasingly popular, with record numbers of Americans planning to take cruises in 2025. Key Travel Trends
| Destination | Projected Travelers |
|---|---|
| Chicago | 4.7 million |
| New York | 3.8 million |
| Orlando | 3.2 million |
| Denver | 1.5 million |
| Seattle | 1.3 million |
| Cruise from Alaska | 1.4 million |
As travelers prepare for the Memorial Day weekend, they can expect to see a mix of familiar and new destinations on this year’s travel charts. Here are some of the top destinations that are expected to attract a large number of travelers:
* Chicago
* New York
* Orlando
* Denver
* Seattle
In addition to these top destinations, cruising from Alaska is also expected to be popular this year, with many travelers taking advantage of record-low cruise prices. For those planning a road trip, AAA’s top tips and recommendations can help make your trip a success. From choosing the right vehicle to packing the essentials, here are some key takeaways:
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“Always keep your emergency roadside kit in your vehicle, including jumper cables, a spare tire, and a flashlight.”
* “Be aware of traffic conditions and construction along your route, and plan your trip accordingly.”
* “Use a mapping app or GPS to stay on track, and make sure your vehicle’s navigation system is updated with the latest traffic information.”
* “Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected events, such as vehicle breakdowns or trip cancellations.”
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By following these tips and recommendations, travelers can ensure a fun and memorable Memorial Day weekend getaway. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, flying, or taking a cruise, there’s something for everyone this year. So pack up, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to hit the road!
