AAA Predicts Frenzied Memorial-Day Travel Crush

AAA’s Memorial Day travel forecast is here, and it looks like it’s going to be a busy one.

The organization predicts a post-winter travel high—in both number of travelers and price levels—for the upcoming holiday weekend.

According to AAA, more than 36 million Americans will be traveling more than 50 miles away from home from May 22 through May 26—the second highest volume of Memorial Day travelers since 2000. Most of those folks will be hitting the road: About 88 percent will travel by car.

Marshall L. Doney, AAA Chief Operating Officer, cites the harsh recent winter as one reason for the travel crush: “As we enter into the summer travel season with warmer temperatures and tulips in bloom, thoughts of historic cold are still fresh in the minds of Americans in many parts of the country. The winter blues appear to have given Americans the travel bug and a case of cruise cabin fever as travel for the holiday is expected to hit a new post-recession high.”

It appears that prices are rising in accordance with the spike in demand. AAA reports that plane tickets, mid-range hotel stays, and car rentals will cost slightly more than they did last year. For example, this year’s average price for a hotel room is $169 per night, compared to $166 per night last year.

However, there is some good news for holiday travelers. Gas prices will remain close to last year’s low levels. According to AAA’s forecast, Memorial Day gas prices are expected to hover around 2013’s average of $3.63 per gallon.

Are you traveling on or around Memorial Day? Tell us where you’re going!

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