The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that 37.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. That number represents a 4.7 percent increase from the 35.5 million people who traveled last year and the highest travel volume for the holiday in 10 years.
AAA also predicts that 33 million Americans will travel by car to their destinations. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 21, to Monday, May 25.
More AAA information from their report:
- Most drivers will probably pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices in at least five years. The current national average price of gas is $2.66, which is about $1 less than the average price on Memorial Day last year.
- The 4.7 percent increase over Memorial Day 2014 is the highest forecast growth rate for any of the holidays tracked by AAA since Independence Day 2012.
- More than 33 million travelers will go by automobile, an increase of 5.3 percent over last Memorial Day.
- Travelers will encounter higher lodging costs this year, while airfares are down slightly compared to Memorial Day 2014.
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