The Memorial Day Travel Surge: A Record-Breaking Weekend Awaits

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and this year, it’s shaping up to be a historic travel period. According to AAA, an impressive 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. This marks a record-breaking increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, surpassing the previous high from 2005. Even amidst concerns over rising prices, many individuals are choosing to take advantage of this long holiday weekend to reconnect with family and friends, even if it means staying closer to home.

Jim Garrity, director of public affairs at AAA East Central, captures the spirit of the weekend perfectly: “Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the summer travel season and the perfect time to plan a getaway with family and friends.” With an extra day off for many, the allure of hitting the road or boarding a flight is hard to resist.

Travel Trends: Modes of Transportation

By Car: A staggering 39.4 million people are expected to travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, marking a one million increase from the previous year. Road trips remain the preferred mode of transport, with 87% of travelers opting to drive. This year, drivers can take advantage of lower gas prices, which, thanks to decreased crude oil costs, haven’t spiked as typically seen in the spring. Interestingly, while prices may rise as demand increases with summer travel, they are currently more favorable compared to last year’s average of $3.59 per gallon.

For those renting vehicles, Hertz anticipates that Friday, May 23, will see the busiest pickup day. SUVs are in high demand, especially in tourist hotspots like Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle—cities that consistently feature on AAA’s Top Destinations list.

By Air: Air travel is also expected to be bustling, with AAA projecting approximately 3.61 million air passengers. This represents a nearly 2% increase from last year and signifies a return to pre-pandemic levels for domestic flights. Although this year’s numbers aren’t likely to set a new record, the average round-trip ticket price of $850 is a small price for many willing to fly to popular destinations like Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Denver.

By Other Modes: An additional 2.08 million people are projected to travel by train, bus, or cruise, which indicates an 8.5% rise from last year. This category has notably surpassed pre-pandemic travel numbers but has not yet reclaimed the record-breaking figures of the early 2000s. Notably, cruising’s resurgence means strong demand for Alaska cruises during this period, with Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau being prime destinations.

Tips for Saving While Traveling

Gas Savings: Even though gas prices are currently lower than last Memorial Day, many drivers are still eager to cut costs.

• Check the AAA fuel site for current prices and use the gas cost calculator to estimate road trip expenses.
• Gas stations near interstates tend to be pricier; driving a little further might save money.
• Maintain highway speeds around 50 mph to maximize fuel efficiency, as each 5 to 10 mph reduction can improve economy by as much as 14%.

Flight Savings: Flexibility is a key factor in finding cheaper airfare.

• Flights that leave on Tuesdays or return on Wednesdays generally cost less since weekend fares tend to be higher.
• Consider basic economy options for budget-friendly travel, but be sure to read all fine print regarding restrictions.
• Reserving airport parking in advance can also lead to savings, and AAA members enjoy discounts at The Parking Spot.
• Packing meals from home can save on food costs, but remember to check TSA guidelines regarding beverages.

Hotels and Rental Cars: Timeliness is crucial when it comes to booking accommodations and rental cars. Delaying these decisions can lead to higher costs.

• Choosing hotels slightly away from tourist hotspots may save money while still providing access to public transit.
• Early reservation of rental cars not only ensures better vehicle selection but also generally results in better pricing. Smaller vehicles are often more economical, particularly for smaller groups, and AAA members can enjoy exclusive benefits through Hertz.

Traffic Insights and Peak Congestion Areas

According to INRIX, a transportation data provider, afternoon hours over Memorial Day weekend are expected to experience the heaviest traffic congestion. Morning drives are recommended for those looking to avoid the worst of the delays. Major metropolitan areas to watch for high traffic include Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

AAA’s Top Memorial Day Weekend Destinations

Based on booking data, here are some of the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend:

• Orlando: Due to its world-renowned theme parks and proximity to Port Canaveral, it’s the top domestic destination.
• Seattle and Anchorage: Both cities are popular because Memorial Day kicks off the peak Alaska cruise season.

On the international front, Rome leads the pack, followed by Vancouver and a list of European cities that continue to draw significant visitor traffic.

Understanding the Travel Forecast Methodology

The travel forecast provided by AAA is based on a thorough methodology developed in cooperation with S&P Global Market Intelligence. This approach utilizes a range of economic variables, including employment rates, household net worth, and travel-related expenses like gasoline and airline tickets, to predict travel behavior. Historical estimates dating back to 2000 bolster the credibility of these projections, highlighting the importance of constant trend monitoring and analysis in understanding travel patterns.

A Closer Look at the Holiday Period

The timeframe for the Memorial Day holiday is defined from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26, maintaining consistency with historical periods since 2000. Understanding this holiday travel period is crucial for both travelers and those in the travel industry as this data not only highlights current trends but also informs future travel decisions.