Floridians are expected to travel more than ever over this Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts that more than 2.5 million Floridians will travel 50 or more miles, which is 126,500 more holiday travelers than the all-time high set last year.
AAA predicts Memorial Day travel will be the second-busiest on record nationwide, with approximately 43.8 million Americans traveling more than 50 miles during the holiday travel period.* That's 1.7 million more travelers than last year (a 4 percent increase) but just shy of the 2005 record of 44 million.
“Memorial Day will mark the beginning of a very busy summer for travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA (Auto Club Group). “American travel is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the Memorial Day holiday weekend will be the busiest weekend in nearly 20 years. The primary driver of this forecast is strong consumer interest in domestic and international travel. Interest in international travel is at its highest level in recent years.”
Road Trip
Nearly 1.5 million more Americans are expected to take road trips than last year, setting a new record, in Florida and across the nation. AAA predicts that approximately 38.4 million Americans will drive to their destinations, the highest amount of road travel for the holiday since AAA began tracking it in 2000. Nationwide, the number of people traveling by car this year is up 4 percent from last year and 1.9 percent from 2019.
“Road travel is appealing to many people because of its convenience and flexibility,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA (Auto Club Group), “but holiday road trips may mean higher gas prices this year.”
Last year, gas prices in Florida averaged $3.41 a gallon over the holiday weekend.
“Drivers should expect continued volatility in gasoline prices as the summer driving season gets into full swing,” Jenkins continued. “The main uncertainty remains the price of oil, and unlike last year, there are two wars underway, one in the Middle East and one in Ukraine, that could disrupt the oil market at any time.”
Air travel
Airports are preparing for a surge in travelers: AAA expects 3.51 million Americans to fly over the holiday weekend, up 4.8% from last year and 9% from 2019. Airport traffic will be the highest this Memorial Day weekend since 2005, when 3.64 million Americans flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally recovered after 9/11.
Airfares are higher than last year. According to AAA booking data, the average price for a domestic round-trip ticket is $778, 2% higher than last year's holiday weekend. International flights are 4% higher, with an average round-trip ticket costing $1,485. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including the destination, number of stops and fare class. For example, a passenger who books a direct flight with a seat assignment and carry-on baggage included is likely to pay a higher price than a passenger who chooses basic economy with a connecting flight.
Other modes of transportation (bus, train, cruise, etc.)
About 2 million people are projected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains. AAA predicts that 1.9 million people will use these other modes of transportation, a 5.6% increase compared to last year. “This sector was hit hardest during the pandemic,” Haas said. “Now, five years later, numbers are back to 2019 levels. Driving this momentum is the resurgence of cruises, both on ocean and rivers, which have come back very strongly and continue to grow in popularity. With ships of all sizes being introduced each year, there's always something new and exciting to explore for first-time cruisers and repeat visitors alike.”
Hotel and car rental rates
Domestic hotel rates are lower than last year. Based on a review of all hotel bookings by AAA, domestic hotels are 5% cheaper over Memorial Day weekend than last year, with the average total cost per stay (which can be multiple nights) being $500. International hotels are about the same as last year, with the average cost per stay being $660.
Domestic car rentals over Memorial Day weekend are 17% cheaper compared to last weekend. The average total cost for a rental (usually for several days) is $439. International car rentals over Memorial Day weekend are 16% cheaper compared to last weekend. The average total cost for a rental (usually for several days) is $617.
