Memorial Day weekend 2024 is expected to be one of the busiest weekends since AAA Auto Club began tracking travelers in 2000, with people taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I travel to domestic and international destinations for luxurious solo trips.
“Memorial Day will mark the start of an extremely busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA. “American travel is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, making Memorial Day weekend the busiest in nearly two decades.”
Compared to last year, gas prices are up a few cents per gallon. Domestic hotel prices are down slightly, about 5%, and there is more interest than ever in theme parks, entertainment venues, and even international travel.
Top domestic destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Anchorage, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Boston. Top international destinations include Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, and more.
According to AAA, domestic rental car prices nationwide have fallen by about 17%.
car trip
AAA estimates that approximately 1.3 million Michiganders will move more than 50 miles. This is the second-highest number since the company began tracking distance traveled, with 1.17 million people driving, about 70,000 by plane and another 60,000 by other modes of transportation.
Nationally, AAA predicts that Memorial Day will be the second-highest number of travelers on record, with approximately 43.8 million Americans traveling more than 50 miles, which is That's 1.7 million more people than last year, an increase of 4%, but just short of the 44 million recorded in 2005.
Of the 43.8 million people, the majority (38.4 million) travel by car and 3.5 million travel by plane.
“Traveling by car is appealing to many people because of its convenience and flexibility,” said Adrian Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA. “However, Memorial Day drivers may have to pay more than usual at gas stations.”
More: Michigan gas prices drop ahead of Memorial Day weekend travel
Last weekend, gas prices in Michigan averaged $3.60 per gallon. The state average is up slightly.
“Drivers should expect continued pump fluctuations as the summer driving season begins,” Woodland said. “The wild card remains oil prices, and unlike last year, there are now two wars going on in the Middle East and Ukraine, which could disrupt the oil market.”
The best and worst times to travel
On the other hand, if you're flying, you might want to give yourself some extra time to get to the airport.
Nearly 2 million people are expected to travel by bus, train and, once again, popular cruises.
“This category has been hit the hardest during the pandemic,” Haas said. “Five years on, we’re back to 2019 numbers, spearheaded by the resurgence of both ocean and river cruising, which is back in great shape and continues to grow in popularity. ”
According to AAA, more people are deciding to take a once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip or traveling alone this year.
If you plan on traveling by car, Kirkland, Wash.-based analytics firm INRIX urges drivers to leave early on Thursday or Friday to avoid commuter traffic. If you're returning on Sunday or Monday, avoid the afternoon hours when return passengers are at their peak.
The worst times to travel are Thursdays from noon to 6pm, Fridays from noon to 7pm, Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm, Sundays from 3pm to 7pm, and Mondays from 3pm. to 7 p.m. The best times to travel are Thursday before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m., Friday before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m., Saturday before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Before, Monday after 7 p.m.
“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal,” said Bob Picheux, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay informed on transit apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary.”
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
