of AAA Auto Club Group predicts a record number of Floridians will travel over Memorial Day weekend. Below is the official statement from AAA.
AAA predicts more than 2.5 million Floridians will travel distances of 50 miles or more. That's 126,500 more holiday travelers than the previous high recorded last year.
Nationally, AAA predicts Memorial Day travel will be the second-highest on record. Nearly 43.8 million Americans travel more than 50 miles during the holiday travel period*. That's 1.7 million more travelers than last year (up 4%), but just short of his 2005 record of 44 million.
“Memorial Day will be the start of a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA (Auto Club Group). “American travel is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, making Memorial Day weekend the busiest in nearly 20 years. A key driver of this forecast is domestic and international travel. Consumer interest in international travel is at its highest level in recent years.
road trip
Road trip expected to set records in Florida and across the United Statesalmost 1.5 million more More Americans on the streets than last year. AAA project Approximately 38.4 million Americans will drive to their destination. This is the largest amount of car travel for this holiday since AAA began tracking it in 2000. The number of car travelers nationwide this year increased by 4% compared to last year and by 1.9% compared to 2019.
“Traveling by car is appealing to many people because of its convenience and flexibility,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “But a holiday road trip this year could cost you more in gas.”
Gas prices in Florida averaged $3.41 per gallon during the holidays last year.. To see today's average state and city gas prices, visit GasPrices.AAA.com. Drivers can also find the lowest gas prices in their area using the free His AAA mobile app and get discounted prices at filling stations by joining the Fuel Rewards program .
“Drivers should expect continued pump fluctuations as the summer driving season gets into full swing,” Jenkins continued. “The wild card remains oil prices. And unlike last year, there are now two wars going on in the Middle East and Ukraine that could disrupt oil markets at any time.”
air travel
Airports prepare for surge in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million Americans to travel by air this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% from last year and 9% compared to 2019. This will be the airport's busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2005, when 3.64 million Americans took flight. The holiday comes as the travel industry finally recovers after 9/11.
Airfares are higher than last year. According to AAA booking data, the average price for a round-trip domestic ticket is $778. This is 2% more than last year's holiday weekend. International flights are 4% more expensive, with round-trip tickets averaging $1485. Several factors affect how much a traveler pays for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, a passenger who books a non-stop flight that includes seat selection and carry-on baggage may pay more than a passenger who chooses basic economy with a layover.
Other means of transportation (Bus, train, cruise, etc.)
Nearly 2 million people are expected to travel using other modes of transportation such as buses, cruises and trains. AAA predicts that 1.9 million people will use these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category has been hit the hardest during the pandemic,” Haas said. “Five years later, we are back to 2019 numbers. Leading the way is the resurgence of cruising, both ocean and river, which has come back very strongly and continues to grow in popularity. All sizes With new ships introduced each year, there's always something new and exciting to discover for both first-time and returning cruise enthusiasts.
Hotel and rental car prices
Domestic hotel prices are also higher than last year. Looking at all hotel reservations on AAA, hotels across the country are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last week. The average cost per stay (sometimes multiple nights) is $500. Overseas hotels are about the same as last year. The average cost per stay is $660.
Domestic rental cars are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last month. The average total cost of a rental (usually for several days) is $439. This Memorial Day weekend, international car rentals will be 16% cheaper compared to last month. The average total cost of a rental (usually for several days) is $617.
- The cities with the highest rental demand this Memorial Day weekend are Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas.
- Our busiest pickup days are Thursday, May 23rd and Friday, May 24th, with rental reservations taking an average of five days.
- The most popular vehicle classes booked for Memorial Day weekend are midsize and full-size sedans, and small and midsize SUVs.
The best and worst times to drive, and peak subway congestion times.
INRIX, a transportation data and insights provider, said: Drivers leaving on Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers returning on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours. This is the peak time for round-trip travel.
“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay informed with transit apps, 511 services, local news stations, and more,” said Bob Picheux, transportation analyst at INRIX. “We need to avoid sitting in traffic any longer than necessary.”
popular destinations
This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are looking for theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Alaska cruises are popular this time of year, so Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver top the list. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be crowded.
