Traveling over the Memorial Day holiday? Make sure to pack a hefty dose of patience as a record number of drivers are expected to share the road to holiday destinations.
Joining holiday travelers will be thousands of do-it-yourself movers heading to new hometowns and professional truck drivers, working hard to keep the supply chain moving.
AAA projects 45.1 million travelers to head 50 or more miles from home over the holiday weekend which begins Thursday, May 22, and ends Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. This year’s travel forecast sets a new Memorial Day record.
“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends.”
Holiday Travel Outlook
AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, an additional one million travelers compared to last year.
More holiday travelers will arrive to their destinations by car. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation, with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips, according to AAA.
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons over the Memorial Day weekend to be the most congested. Travelers should plan to travel in the morning hours for the best chance to avoid heavy traffic.
Drivers in major metro areas, including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., can expect to see the heaviest traffic.
Summer Moving Season
Memorial Day also signals the start to the busy summer moving season, as do-it-yourself movers pack up for moves across town and across the country.
- Pack up early so loading can begin as soon as you pick up your truck.
- Give yourself enough travel time to account for potential delays, including road construction.
- Make sure you have snacks and drinks ready for the road.
- For cross-country movers, plan breaks and do a little sightseeing along the way.
- After you arrive at your destination, make sure you allow enough time to unload.
Moving plans taking a holiday? If you are looking for a change of scenery and need some inspiration, check out our 2024 Top 10 Moving Destinations list.
Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.
By “Move Ahead” Staff
