More Georgians than ever are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. The travel organization predicts 1.38 million residents will journey at least 50 miles from home—an increase of nearly 45,000 over last year.
Nationwide, AAA forecasts more than 45.1 million Americans will travel during the holiday weekend, marking a new record and surpassing the previous high of 44 million set in 2005.
“Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. From a short beach retreat to an extended cruise, working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs.”
Hitting the road
The vast majority of travelers—about 87%—will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 39.4 million people will take a road trip this Memorial Day, up one million from last year.
Gas prices are offering some relief to drivers. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular on Memorial Day was $3.59, while Georgia’s average was $3.35. So far this spring, fuel prices have remained relatively stable due to lower crude oil costs.
“As Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer and travel demand picks up, there’s a chance that pump prices will edge upward,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Historically, gas prices tend to peak in the spring or summer before gradually easing as schools reopen in the fall.”
AAA recommends using its fuel cost calculator and seeking cheaper gas away from the interstate. Members can also access discounts at Shell stations through the Fuel Rewards® program. Fuel efficiency tips include slowing down on the highway—driving just 5–10 mph slower can boost fuel economy by up to 14%.
Rental cars are also in high demand. Hertz, a AAA partner, anticipates Friday, May 23, will be the busiest day for vehicle pickups. SUVs top the list for most popular rentals, particularly in high-traffic cities like Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle.
Taking to the skies
Airports will also be busy. AAA expects 3.61 million people to fly over the holiday weekend, a 2% increase over last year and 12% above pre-pandemic levels. While this year won’t set a record—2005 holds that title with 3.64 million air travelers—it marks another strong rebound for the industry.
Domestic airfare is up slightly, with average round-trip flights costing around $850. Popular destinations include Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle.
Travelers can save by flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and considering basic economy fares—provided they’re comfortable with fewer amenities. AAA also recommends reserving airport parking in advance and bringing snacks from home to avoid airport markup.
Trains, buses and cruises
Alternative modes of transportation are also gaining popularity. AAA projects 2.08 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise—a year-over-year increase of 8.5%, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels from 2018 and 2019.
Cruises are especially popular this season, with strong demand for Alaskan itineraries. Domestic cruise destinations such as Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau are seeing high bookings. AAA previously projected a record 19 million Americans will cruise in 2025.
Travel tips
Travelers hoping to save should book flights, hotels, and rental cars early. For hotels, staying just outside major tourist hubs or near public transit can lead to big savings. Smaller rental cars also tend to be more cost-efficient.
AAA members can take advantage of hotel and car rental discounts, including exclusive perks through Hertz.
Best times to travel
Transportation analytics company INRIX advises travelers to hit the road early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic, which is expected during afternoon hours throughout the holiday weekend.
