According to AAA, 91% of travelers are expected to drive to their destination.
CONNECTICUT, USA — The holiday travel rush is starting early for Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.
“Everybody seems to be more energized. Everybody seems happier,” Ethan Tiffany said.
Triple A estimates that about 44 million people will travel distances of 50 miles or more this weekend, up 4 percent from last year.
“I have family in the South, so I'll be spending my holiday weekend at the beach in Florida,” Emma O'Byrne said.
“AAA expects 470,000 Connecticut residents to travel for the Memorial Day holiday,” said Tracy Noble, AAA spokesperson for Greater Hartford. “This is the highest number since 2005 and would be the highest level in almost 20 years.”
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Even though gas prices are up 8 cents per gallon nationwide compared to last Memorial Day, 91% of travelers are expected to drive to their destinations.
“People want to travel, people want those experiences,” Noble said. “So even though gas prices are going up, grocery costs are going up, people are learning to save in other ways. And they want to spend time with family and friends and travel.”
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If you're traveling on Thursday, AAA recommends leaving early to avoid traffic, preferably by 11 a.m. or noon.
The hours between 12pm and 6pm are usually the busiest travel times during the holiday period as tourist and commuter traffic overlap.
When planning your trip home, aim for after 6pm on Monday night and remember to have your car ready in advance.
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“Before you take your family into the car, check the tires and make sure the battery has been replaced within the last five years,” says Noble. “Also, top up your fluids and make sure your brakes are working properly. The last thing you want is to get into trouble while trying to have fun with your family.”
It's also expected to be the busiest Memorial Day weekend at U.S. airports in decades, with AAA predicting 3.6 million people will fly nationwide, including 40,000 Connecticut residents.
Travel experts advise travelers to be patient and allow plenty of time for check-in and security.
Bridget Bjorro is an anchor and reporter for FOX61 News. Contact her at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook X,Instagram.
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