AAA recently released a report projecting 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day (May 21–25). This projection puts it above last year’s number, and sets a new weekend record with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million expected to fly.
Last year, by comparison, 44.8 million Americans traveled during the same timeframe. As expected, 2020 saw the lowest number of Americans travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw just 23.1 million Americans travel 50 miles or more.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, vice president, AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
For those driving this Memorial Day weekend, AAA advises the best and worst times to travel by car. Those driving May 21 are encouraged to drive after 9 p.m., while those hitting the roads May 22 and May 23 are advised to drive before 11 a.m. Minimal traffic is expected May 24, but drivers are urged to start the return home before 10 a.m. on May 25.
Although gas prices are higher this year than last year, the average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year for those who booked early. Travel by other modes (outside driving and flying) is also expected to go up by 5 percent this year, with 2.2 million people traveling by bus, train or cruise over Memorial Day weekend. In fact, Alaska cruise season recently kicked off, and the popularity of these cruises is a driving factor in the growth of this mode of travel.
AAA Travel also revealed the top domestic and international destinations for Memorial Day weekend. Domestically, top destinations include Orlando, Florida; Seattle, Washington; New York City, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; San Francisco, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; and Boston, Massachusetts.
The top international destinations Americans travel to this Memorial Day weekend are Rome, Italy; Vancouver, Canada; Paris, France; London, England; Athens, Greece; Dublin, Ireland; Barcelona, Spain; Southampton, England; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Edinburgh, Scotland.
Are you traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Where are you traveling? How are you getting there? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.
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