AAA forecasts 45 million Memorial Day travelers

AAA said on May 11 that 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period, from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. The forecast is slightly above 2025 levels and would set a new record for the holiday weekend, according to the group. The projection comes as gasoline prices remain above year-ago levels, a dynamic that local television reports said is pushing some families to shorten trips rather than cancel them. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, this year. ### How many people does AAA expect to travel? AAA said 45 million Americans will travel over the five-day Memorial Day period, with trips defined as journeys of at least 50 miles from home. The group said that total is slightly higher than last year’s 44.8 million travelers. The largest share of those travelers will go by car. (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA projected 39.1 million people will drive over the holiday weekend, which the group said would be a Memorial Day record. Another 3.66 million are expected to fly domestically, while about 2.2 million are forecast to travel by bus, train or cruise. ### Why are roads expected to be especially crowded? AAA said driving accounts for 87% of Memorial Day travelers this year, making highways the main pressure point during the holiday stretch. The group also said it handled more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls over last year’s Memorial Day weekend for problems including dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks. (newsroom.aaa.com) ABC11 in Raleigh reported on May 17 that roads, parks and recreation spots are likely to be busier than usual during the holiday window. The station cited AAA’s national forecast and interviewed North Carolina residents who said higher fuel and grocery costs were leading them to stay closer to home, including day trips to local parks and attractions. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What is AAA saying about gas prices and airfare? AAA said pump prices are higher than they were over Memorial Day weekend last year, when the national average for regular gasoline was $3.17 a gallon. The group said current gasoline prices are the highest they have been since the summer of 2022. (abc11.com) Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the May 11 release that “travel demand remains strong” and that many people are still prioritizing leisure trips during holiday breaks despite higher fuel prices. AAA also said average round-trip domestic airfare is 6% cheaper than a year earlier for travelers who booked early, with an average ticket price of $800 based on booking data. (newsroom.aaa.com) ABC11 reported that the average price for regular gasoline in North Carolina was $4.19 a gallon, compared with a national average of $4.51, citing AAA data. The station said some travelers interviewed in Raleigh were switching from longer drives to closer destinations because of fuel costs. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### Which places are seeing extra attention from holiday travelers? Hertz told AAA that Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest pickup days for rental cars over the holiday weekend. AAA said the five markets with the highest rental-car demand are Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Boston. (abc11.com) Raleigh-area families interviewed by ABC11 pointed to local destinations including Dix Park, trails and children’s attractions as lower-cost options for the weekend. The station also cited a WalletHub ranking that placed the Raleigh-Cary metro area among the top 20 summer travel destinations. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What is California offering on Memorial Day itself? California State Parks said on May 14 that it will offer free admission on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, to veterans and active-duty and reserve military members at 145 participating state parks. The agency said visitors must show a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct. (abc11.com) Armando Quintero, director of California State Parks, said the full list of participating parks is available through the agency’s Memorial Day 2026 information page. The department named sites including Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Clear Lake State Park, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area and San Buenaventura State Beach. (parks.ca.gov) May 21 is the first day of AAA’s Memorial Day travel window, and May 25 is the day California’s free-admission program takes effect for eligible service members and veterans. AAA said drivers should check batteries, tire pressure and fluids before leaving, while California State Parks said its participating-park list is posted for Memorial Day 2026. (newsroom.aaa.com) (parks.ca.gov)