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More than 2.5M Floridians are expected to travel over Memorial Day Weekend. What to know

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7 months ago

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More than 2.5M Floridians are expected to travel over Memorial Day Weekend. What to know

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Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in nearly two decades, at least in terms of travel.

According to AAA, nearly 44 million Americans are expected to travel over the three-day weekend. More than 2.5 million Floridians said that they plan to travel at least 50 miles. That’s about 126,500 more holiday travelers than the previous high, which was set in 2023.

“Memorial Day will be the start to a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “American travelers are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels, making this the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades. The main driver of the projection is strong consumer interest in traveling both domestically and abroad. Interest in traveling internationally is at the highest level in recent years.”

Here’s what to know about Memorial Day weekend travel.

38.4 million Americans expected to road trip over Memorial Day weekend

Americans are expected to break road tripping records in both Florida and the U.S. as nearly 1.5 million more people are anticipated to be on the road compared to last year. An estimated 38.4 million people are projected to drive to their Memorial Day weekend destination, according to AAA.

Florida gas prices are slightly ahead of Memorial Day weekend travel

At the time of publishing, Florida’s average gas price for regular fuel is approximately $3.49, up three cents from last year’s average.

“Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump as the summer driving season ramps up,” Jenkins continued. “The wildcard remains the cost of oil. And unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – which have the ability to roil the oil market at any time.”

Memorial Day weekend air travel expects a 4.8% increase

Airports throughout the county are already bracing for a spike in traffic as AAA expects about 3.51 million Americans to travel by air over the weekend. This marks a 4.8% increase over last year and a 9% increase compared to 2019.

AAA says that this year’s Memorial Day weekend will be the most crowded at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million Americans flew for the holiday after rebounding from 9/11.

Airfare is up 2% from last year

AAA booking data shows the average price for a round trip domestic flight is up to a whopping $778, up 2% from last year. International flights are also up 4%, averaging $1,485 for a roundtrip ticket.

Domestic hotel prices are down, and so are car rentals

Domestic hotel prices are less expensive than last year. Hotel bookings with AAA showed domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The total average cost per stay (which can be multiple nights) is $500. International hotels are about the same as last year. The average cost per stay is $660.

Domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $439. International car rentals are 16% cheaper. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $617.

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