Gas prices have soared to unprecedented levels, with drivers now shelling out an average of $4.50 per gallon at the pump, a steep increase of $1.33 from last Memorial Day’s $3.17 average. Despite the exorbitant transportation costs, Americans are showing no signs of slowing down their travel plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
An AAA study predicts that a staggering 45 million Americans will be hitting the road or taking to the skies for getaways of at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend. Of that number, an estimated 39.1 million will be driving to their desired destinations, while another 3.66 million will be flying. Surprisingly, these figures actually show a slight increase from last year’s numbers.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, attributes this surge in travel to the holiday being the unofficial start of summer and the fact that most Americans have a three-day weekend to enjoy. Despite the spike in fuel prices, leisure travel remains a top priority for many during breaks like Memorial Day.
For those travelers who booked flights in advance, securing tickets before rising jet fuel costs took effect has proven to be a smart move, as average airfares are currently around $800 for round-trip domestic flights. However, for drivers, the burden of high gas prices is unavoidable. But there is a small silver lining for those planning to rent a car this weekend, as rental prices are actually 1% lower than they were last year.
In addition to predicting travel numbers, the AAA report highlights the top Memorial Day destinations for 2026, both domestically and internationally.
Domestic destinations:
1. Orlando, FL
2. Seattle, WA
3. New York, NY
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. Miami, FL
6. San Francisco, CA
7. Anchorage, AK
8. Chicago, IL
9. Denver, CO
10. Boston, MA
International destinations:
1. Rome, Italy
2. Vancouver, Canada
3. Paris, France
4. London, England
5. Athens, Greece
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Southampton, England
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
As travelers gear up for the weekend, AAA advises checking vehicles for battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels before hitting the road. They also recommend avoiding heavy congestion on Thursday and Friday afternoons, opting instead for lighter traffic on Sunday. Leave early, drive safely, and consider hitting the road after 9 p.m. on Thursday or before 11 a.m. on Friday to avoid delays.
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Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.