AAA predicts a 4.7 percent increase in Memorial Day weekend travel compared to last year and the highest travel volume for that weekend since 2005.
AAA predicts about 37.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles that weekend, compared to 35.5 million last year.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.
“These latest numbers prove that more Americans are ready to kick off the summer season to spend time with loved ones near and far,” according to Theresa Podguski, AAA East Central spokesperson, in a news release.
“Auto travel continues to be the most popular mode of travel. More than 88 percent of holiday travelers will be driving, and will be seeing lower gas prices in many surrounding areas,” she added.
The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 21, to Monday, May 25.
Lower gas prices are expected to play a role in why nearly 33 million Americans will be driving to their destinations, 5.3 percent above last year.
Holiday air travel is also up 2.5 percent to 2.6 million travelers, while travel by cruises, trains and buses is expected to decrease 3.6 percent this Memorial Day to 1.64 million.
Mid-Atlantic region
Over 4.4 million people from the Mid-Atlantic states (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) expect to travel this holiday weekend.
• Car Travel: 3.9 million (up 5.1 percent from 2014)
• Air Travel: 288,000 (up 2.2 percent from 2014)
• Other Modes: 146,000 (down 3.8 percent from 2014)
Impact of gasoline prices
Travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower gas prices compared to recent years.
The national average price is $2.659, nearly a dime less than last year’s price of $3.656. AAA predicts most U.S. travelers will pay the cheapest Memorial Day gas prices in at least five years.
Tips for drivers
More than 88 percent (33 million) of holiday travelers will drive to their destination, a 5.3 percent increase from 2014.
AAA expects to rescue nearly 350,000 motorists at the roadside this Memorial Day weekend, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.
AAA recommends motorists inspect their vehicle and check battery and tire condition before heading out on a holiday getaway.
Members can download the AAA , visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.
Hotel and car rental rates increase, airfares fall slightly
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, the average daily car rental rate this Memorial Day is $19 higher than last year.
The average nightly stay in a Two Diamond hotel is 16 percent higher this year at $144, while Three Diamond hotels will cost seven percent more, averaging $182.
Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are two percent cheaper this year, falling to $222.
Travel planning resources
AAA’s digital tools for travel planning on the go include the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn more .
Memorial Day travel forecast
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight.
The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.