Reporter: Chris Van Cleve
PHOENIX (CBS) – Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, so if you haven't made your travel plans yet, you better hurry.
AAA said it will be the busiest in nearly 20 years.
43.8 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles during this holiday.
Board the brand new Carnival Florence ahead of her first sold-out cruise to Mexico.
Cruising is rapidly growing in popularity, with nearly 35 million passengers expected this year, an increase of 5 million from pre-pandemic levels.
Florence was originally designed for China, but was modified for the United States to meet demand.
“We are significantly more booked than normal, and we have inventory remaining through the first half of 2026,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival. “There are still spaces available, but we are telling people to get their books early and plan ahead.”
“I think more and more people are recognizing cruises as great family vacations. The value of cruise travel compared to what it costs to go to a resort today makes it very attractive, efficient and easy.” ,” Duffy said.
AAA expects cruise and train travel to increase by nearly 6% this Memorial Day.
But the bulk will be driven by a record 38.4 million people, up 4% year-on-year.
Gasoline prices are trending down, but are still about 8 cents per gallon higher than last year.
“People are still prioritizing travel and budgeting for it,” said Aisha Diaz, a spokeswoman for AAA. I can't see it happening,” he said.
And at airports, AAA expects to receive about 5% more flyers this Memorial Day.
Joy Noel Balanag booked her summer trip months in advance to avoid the rush, but changed her destination after discovering a deal.
“If I was going to Japan, it would have cost me $1,200 round trip for one person. When I switched to Canada, it was $1,200 round trip for two people,” Joy said.
AAA predicts that next Thursday and Friday between noon and 7 p.m. will be the absolute worst time to drive over the Memorial Day weekend.
Airlines are planning for their busiest summer yet.
United Airlines said the Thursday before Memorial Day will be its busiest day during the holiday period, but it expects passenger numbers to really pick up in June and July.
