Bustling Memorial Day Road Trips Expected Despite Mounting Costs
Record-breaking Memorial Day travel anticipated due to reduced fuel costs benefiting drivers
Are tariffs dictating the travel industry's fate? On 'The Claman Countdown', Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman delves into the impact of U.S. tariff policies.
According to predictions from AAA, this upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend will witness an unprecedented surge in travel, with a record-breaking 45.1 million people planning trips of at least 50 miles from their homes between May 22 and 26. This figure surpasses the previous Memorial Day holiday weekend record of 44 million travelers set 20 years ago.
With many Americans preferring to spend time with loved ones despite rising prices[4], AAA expects 39.4 million travelers to use cars for their journeys, marking a 1.2 million increase from last year. AAA advises using the mornings for travel to avoid traffic, as roads are likely to be most congested in the afternoons[5].
Those embarking on car trips will savor lower fuel prices over Memorial Day weekend, as gas prices have dropped since 2024, averaging $3.13 a gallon nationwide according to AAA.
Roughly 3.6 million people are predicted to fly during the long weekend, representing a 1.8% increase year over year. About 2 million other Americans will be utilizing trains, buses, or cruises for their journey. Last year, approximately 1.9 million people relied on these means of transportation for their Memorial Day travels[6].
While tariffs might not be pinpoint targets for Memorial Day weekend travel restrictions, the broader economic and price implications could influence consumer behavior and travel decisions. Travelers staying within personal duty-free exemptions should not be directly impacted by tariffs in personal purchases[7].
However, potential price hikes for accommodations and services due to increased costs for hotel supplies and food items could sway travelers' decisions. Over the coming years, there might be a shift in tourism towards countries offering more affordable alternatives, such as Japan, Thailand, and Greece[8].
☁️ Artificial Intelligence simplifying vacation planning
In case you're seeking an affordable Memorial Day getaway, the travel industry is undergoing a digital transformation with the help of AI, streamlining the vacation-planning process[9].
🔃 Real ID deadline: Navigate without one
If you don't have a Real ID, it's essential to familiarize yourself with requirements and available alternatives to ease your travel experience[10].
Memorial Day weekend ranks among the summer's busiest travel periods, with travelers jetting off for the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends as well[11]. Start planning now to enjoy your well-deserved time off without blowing your budget!
Travelers aiming for a budget-friendly Memorial Day getaway might find help in the travel industry's digital transformation, where AI simplifies vacation planning. Despite the surge in travelers during this holiday weekend, those choosing to drive might benefit from avoiding traffic by traveling during the mornings.
