According to AAA, 91% of travelers are expected to drive to their destination.
CONNECTICUT, USA — The holiday travel rush is starting early for Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.
Ethan Tiffany said, “I feel like everyone has gotten better. Everyone seems happy.”
Triple A expects about 44 million people to travel more than 50 miles this holiday weekend, a 4 percent increase from last year.
“I have family in the South, so I spend my weekends at the beach in Florida,” Emma O'Beirne said.
“AAA expects 470,000 Connecticut residents to travel for the Memorial Day holiday,” said Tracy Noble, AAA spokeswoman for Greater Hartford. “This will be the highest figure since 2005 and the highest level in nearly 20 years.”
RELATED: Memorial Day parades across Connecticut
Despite gas prices increasing 8 cents per gallon nationwide compared to last Memorial Day, 91% of travelers are expected to drive to their destinations.
“People want to travel, people want those experiences,” Noble said. “So despite increases in gas prices and grocery costs, people are learning to save money in other ways. And they want to spend time with family and friends and go on trips. Masu.”
Sign up for the FOX61 Newsletter: Morning forecast, morning headlines, evening headlines
If you're traveling on Thursday, AAA recommends leaving early to avoid heavy traffic, preferably before 11 a.m. or noon.
12pm to 6pm is typically the busiest time to travel during the holiday period due to tourist and commuter traffic.
When planning your trip home, shoot after 6pm on a Monday night and remember to prepare your car in advance.
RELATED: Connecticut Trolley Museum gearing up for busy Memorial Day weekend and upcoming summer season
“Before you take your family into the car, check the tires and make sure the battery has been replaced within the last five years. Also, top off your fluids and make sure your brakes are working properly. Please,” Noble said. . The last thing you want is to run into trouble when you're trying to have fun with your family. ”
It's also expected to be the busiest Memorial Day weekend at U.S. airports in decades, with AAA predicting 3.6 million people will fly nationwide, including 40,000 Connecticut residents.
Travel experts advise travelers to be patient and allow enough time for check-in and security.
Bridget Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at email address. follow her her Facebook, Xand Instagram.
Have a story idea or something you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Email us. newstips@fox61.com.
Here are other ways to get FOX61 News
Download the FOX61 News App
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Live streaming Roku: Add channels from the ROKU store or by searching for FOX61.
Live Streaming Fire TV: Search for “FOX61” and click “Get” to download.
follow me X, Facebook & Instagram
