TAn estimated 43.8 million travelers are expected to head out this Memorial Day weekend to kick off the summer season.
Whether you're staying locally or spending the weekend in the suburbs, be prepared for crowds. “No matter what you do, it's going to be crowded,” says Christina Jelski, senior editor for North Star Travel Group's Travel Weekly. “Leave early, give yourself plenty of time, and be prepared for congestion and delays. [might] happen.”
Ahead of a busy weekend, TIME spoke to experts to share tips on how to make the most of your vacation, no matter where you are.
look ahead
Whether you're shopping for supplies for a weekend barbecue or booking a national park pass, a little planning goes a long way. Taking the time to get what you need before the long weekend will save you headaches down the road.
“Everyone talks about congestion at airports and on the roads, but it's also happening in grocery stores,” said Erica Richter, vice president of communications and marketing at the U.S. Society of Travel Advisors.
The same goes for your itinerary: experts recommend creating a backup plan just in case something goes wrong. Delays and cancellations. “If your flight gets delayed or canceled while you're on vacation, you can't just take another flight,” says Karen Scherer, founder of Travel Therapy. She recommends researching alternative travel routes and flights in advance. “Don't expect the airline to find something for you while you're on vacation. If your flight gets canceled, they often have to find another flight.” [automatic booking] “I will rebook after the holidays,” she says.
Get creative with your travel plans
To avoid traffic jams, look at destinations you can visit by train, especially if you live in the Northeast. “If you live in an area with good rail access, it's easy to plan a quick weekend getaway primarily through rail service,” says Jelski, adding that depending on the hotel or resort, the hotel The company also states that it may provide transportation and car services to and from the hotel. station.
It also helps to be open-minded about where you plan to go, especially if you're planning a last-minute trip. “If you're thinking about going somewhere last-minute for vacation, you're not going to pick the top 20 places that come to mind,” Schaller says. “If it's on your mind, it's going to be on someone else's mind, too.”
find ways to entertain yourself
Traveling brings excitement, but flight delays and traffic jams can quickly bring your mood down. To stave off boredom, Richter recommends packing some games to pass the time while traveling, like dice or cards. You can also create shared playlists with family and friends to listen to while traveling. “There's something for everyone, and no one's fighting over music,” she says.
Don't forget to bring a portable charger. “If you're late or trying to charge and can't find it, you'll want to bring your own,” Schaller says.
Look around your neighborhood
You don't have to travel far to have fun, experts say. Many towns host free holiday parades, festivals, and concerts that support the community. And if you have kids, something as simple as making s'mores can help. Or bring out the glow sticks after dark for a fun weekend getaway. “Even if you're not going anywhere, think about the memories you want to create,” Richter says.
Whether that's an outdoor day hiking local trails or a global food tour exploring different cuisines, Scherer says it's helpful to root your staycation in a particular theme. If you decide to have a staycation, create boundaries and stick to them. “Make sure you're all in,” Scherer says. “You can't just take a call, do a little work, and then say, 'Today is a spa day.'”
