Memorial Day Travel Surge Projected to Near Record Highs
The Memorial Day holiday weekend is approaching, and AAA forecasts a surge in travel approaching record highs. Over 43.8 million travelers are expected to venture 50 miles or more from home during the period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27. This projected number represents a 4% increase from last year and nearly matches the record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers set in 2005.
Road Trips Dominate
Road trips are expected to be the most popular mode of travel, with 38.4 million people projected to hit the roads. This marks the highest number of Memorial Day drivers since AAA began tracking in 2000, representing a 4% increase from last year and a 1.9% increase from 2019. The convenience and flexibility of road trips continue to make them appealing for many travelers.
Airports Brace for Surge
Airports are also expected to be bustling, with 3.51 million air travelers anticipated. This represents a 4.8% increase from last year and a 9% jump compared to 2019. It will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry rebounded from the aftermath of 9/11.
Other Transportation Options
Nearly two million people are projected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This represents a 5.6% increase from last year.
Peak Congestion Times
To avoid peak congestion times, travelers are advised to hit the road early on Thursday or Friday, and to avoid returning home on Sunday or Monday afternoons, when return trips typically reach their peak. Traffic times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date on traffic apps or local news stations to avoid unnecessary delays.
Popular Destinations
Popular domestic destinations for the Memorial Day weekend include Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California, with theme parks and entertainment venues being major attractions. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver also rank high due to the popularity of Alaska cruises. Florida beaches and cruise ports are also expected to be crowded.
International travel is also expected to see an uptick, with European cities dominating the list of popular destinations.
