Memorial Day weekend is about to shatter travel records as 45.1 million Americans prepare to journey at least 50 miles from home, according to AAA’s latest forecast. This represents an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and tops the previous record set nearly two decades ago in 2005. As the unofficial summer kickoff approaches, understanding when to hit the road could save your holiday weekend from becoming a traffic nightmare.
Road trips remain Americans’ transportation method of choice, with 39.4 million people expected to drive to their destinations. This preference stems from the convenience and flexibility that car travel offers, especially with relatively stable gas prices thanks to lower crude oil costs this season.
The skies will be equally busy as 3.61 million passengers take to the air, marking a nearly 2% increase from last year’s figures. While not reaching the record levels of 2005, current air travel numbers exceed pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 12%. If you’re flying, expect major airports serving Chicago, New York, and Orlando to be particularly crowded.
Travel by train, bus, or cruise is experiencing a significant revival with 2.08 million travelers expected to use these options. This represents an 8.5% increase from last year, driven largely by the surging popularity of cruises, particularly to Alaska destinations.
Savvy travelers are increasingly turning to digital solutions like Apple’s AirTag luggage tracking to maintain peace of mind during the chaotic Memorial Day rush, especially among the 3.61 million Americans taking to the skies this holiday weekend.
Caught in traffic? The worst congestion will occur during afternoon hours, especially from Thursday to Monday of the holiday weekend. Major metro areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC will experience the heaviest delays according to transportation data provider INRIX.
For those determined to avoid gridlock, here’s when to travel:
- Thursday: Before noon
- Friday: Before 11 a.m.
- Saturday: Before noon
- Sunday: Before 1 p.m.
- Monday: Before 2 p.m.
Planning ahead can transform your Memorial Day experience from stressful to spectacular. Book accommodations early and consider staying slightly removed from tourist hotspots to secure better rates and avoid crowds. If you’re tired of overpaying for airport food, bringing your own snacks can save both money and sanity – remember that while beverages face TSA restrictions, food is generally permitted through security.
Night visibility drops significantly during long holiday drives, so ensure your vehicle’s headlights are functioning properly before departure. If you’re traveling with children, strategic planning becomes even more critical – pack entertainment, schedule regular breaks, and prepare for the inevitable “are we there yet?” chorus.
Whether you’re heading to coastal getaways, national parks, or family reunions this Memorial Day, one thing is certain – you’ll have plenty of company on the journey. But with careful planning and strategic timing, you can still enjoy the start of summer without spending it stuck in traffic.
