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This Memorial Day weekend is set to break records as more than 45 million Americans plan to travel, according to AAA. From Thursday (May 22) to Monday (May 26), 45.1 million people are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home, surpassing the previous record of 44 million set in 2005. This increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year marks a significant rebound in travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority of travelers, about 87%, will be hitting the road, benefiting from lower gas prices. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is lower this year compared to last Memorial Day, when it was $3.59. Despite the potential for prices to rise as summer demand increases, drivers are eager to take advantage of the current savings.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, noted that "Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly." Many families are opting for road trips to nearby beaches or to visit friends, taking advantage of the long weekend and school holidays.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 3.61 million passengers expected to fly, a nearly 2% increase from last year. Although this year's air travel won't surpass the record set in 2005, it is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%. Popular destinations include Orlando, New York, and Chicago.
Other modes of travel, such as trains, buses, and cruises, are seeing an 8.5% increase over last year. Cruises to Alaska are particularly popular, with Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau among the top domestic destinations.
As travel surges, AAA advises travelers to plan ahead, especially when booking hotels and rental cars, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday weekend.