- AAA: About 45 million expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend.
- The forecast sets a record, with 39.1 million traveling by car.
- Top destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas and Miami.
APPROXIMATELY 45 MILLION Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day between May 21 and 25, according to AAA Travel. The forecast sets a record for the holiday.
As in previous years, most travelers, 39.1 million, will drive and 3.66 million flying.
Gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, but average airfares are lower for travelers who booked early, AAA said in a statement. In March, AAA reported that U.S. gasoline prices surged after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted energy markets and Middle East shipping.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, AAA vice president. “Travel demand remains strong and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
The national average price for regular gas rose 27 cents in a week to $3.25 per gallon as crude oil prices climbed on supply concerns, AAA had said.
Travel mode
Driving accounts for 87 percent of holiday travel. Drivers are paying more for gas than last Memorial Day, when the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.17. Gas prices are now at their highest level since summer 2022.
Meanwhile, 3.66 million travelers will take domestic flights, up slightly from last year. Air travelers account for 8 percent of holiday travel.
Travel by bus, train and cruise is expected to rise 5 percent, with 2.2 million people traveling during the holiday weekend. The start of Alaska cruise season is driving growth in this category.
Memorial Day travelers are visiting theme parks and landmarks, taking cruises to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and flying to European capitals.
Top domestic destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, Anchorage, Chicago, Denver and Boston. Top international destinations include Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London, Athens, Dublin, Barcelona, Southampton, Amsterdam and Edinburgh.
In December, AAA reported that 122.4 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Dec. 20-Jan. 1 holiday period, up 2.2 percent from 119.7 million travelers a year earlier.
