Planning to hit the road this Memorial Day? You’re not alone! A record-breaking 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the upcoming holiday weekend (May 22-26), according to AAA’s latest forecast.

By the Numbers: How We’re Traveling

Despite concerns about rising prices, families are prioritizing travel and time with loved ones this Memorial Day weekend:

• 39.4 million people (87%) will travel by car – that’s an additional million drivers compared to last year
• 3.61 million travelers (8%) will fly – up nearly 2% from last year
• 2.08 million travelers (4.6%) will use other transportation modes like trains, buses, and cruises

“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” says 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.”

When to Hit the Road

Planning to drive? Time your departure wisely to avoid the worst congestion! INRIX, a transportation data provider, expects afternoons to be the most congested periods. Here’s when to avoid the roads:

• Thursday, May 22: Worst time 1:00 – 9:00 PM; Best time before noon
• Friday, May 23: Worst time 12:00 – 8:00 PM; Best time before 11:00 AM
• Saturday, May 24: Worst time 2:00 – 6:00 PM; Best time before noon
• Sunday, May 25: Worst time 1:00 – 5:00 PM; Best time before 1:00 PM
• Monday, May 26: Worst time 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Best time before 2:00 PM

Top Memorial Day Destinations

According to AAA booking data, these are the hottest spots for Memorial Day travelers:

Domestic:

1. Orlando, FL
2. Seattle, WA
3. New York, NY
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. Miami, FL

International:

1. Rome, Italy
2. Vancouver, Canada
3. Paris, France
4. London, England
5. Athens, Greece

Money-Saving Travel Tips for Busy Moms

For our Froggy 102.7 listeners (especially you busy moms juggling work and family), here are some practical ways to save on your holiday travels:

For Road Trips:

• Gas savings: Use the AAA Fuel Price Finder to locate cheaper gas and avoid stations right off the interstate (they’re typically more expensive)
• Save fuel: Reduce highway speeds by 5-10 mph to increase fuel economy by up to 14%
• Car rentals: Book early and right-size your vehicle for your actual needs (SUVs are popular, but smaller vehicles are more economical)

For Air Travel:

• Timing is everything: Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer cheaper flights than weekend travel
• Save on food: Pack snacks from home (while you can’t bring beverages through security, food is allowed)
• Airport parking: Reserve ahead for savings – AAA members get discounts at The Parking Spot

For Accommodations:

• Location strategy: Consider hotels slightly removed from tourist centers but near public transportation
• Membership benefits: Look for AAA hotel partners that offer member discounts and deals

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway with the kids or a longer family vacation, being strategic about your travel plans can help make this Memorial Day weekend memorable for all the right reasons!

Source: AAA Memorial Day Travel Forecast, May 12, 2025