As the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend is historically one of the busiest travel periods in the United States.

In 2025, this trend continues—intensified by a post-pandemic resurgence in leisure travel, improved economic outlooks, and a collective craving for getaways.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that more than 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26, exceeding a previous high set in 2005.

According to AAA’s 2025 Memorial Day Travel Forecast, this increase represents a year-over-year rise of 1.4 million travelers, with a large majority—around 87%—choosing to drive.

People are still feeling pretty good about travel, said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz. While some households may spend less on their trips, they are still committed to making those trips happen.

Travel by Road: The Return of the American Road Trip

Out of the estimated 45.1 million Memorial Day travelers, 39.4 million will be hitting the roads. AAA attributes this to several factors, including cost savings, convenience, and flexibility.

“You leave whenever you want,” Diaz said. “You can pack as much as you want in the car and make stops along the way.”

This sentiment resonates with millions of families opting for road travel amid uncertainty in the air travel sector. The national average for gasoline as of May 23 is $3.17 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)—down from $3.61 at the same time last year.

Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports that rental car prices and hotel stays are lower this season compared to 2024, making road trips more financially accessible.

Air Travel Still Strong, but Faces Growing Pains

Although most travelers will drive, over 3.6 million Americans are expected to fly this Memorial Day weekend. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) forecasts screening 18 million passengers and crew between Thursday and the following Wednesday.

Flight activity will peak on Thursday and Friday, with nearly 54,000 scheduled flights nationwide, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Yet air travel is not without its complications. The FAA has been grappling with ongoing staffing shortages in air traffic control, as well as aging infrastructure, which has caused delays and cancellations in recent months. These problems have been especially noticeable at busy airports such as Newark Liberty International, where a recent failure of radar equipment caused widespread delays.

In response, the FAA has ramped up its hiring of air traffic controllers and invested in modernization efforts to avoid cascading disruptions. Their official travel advisory warns:

“Travelers should anticipate delays and check flight statuses regularly, especially during peak holiday weekends.”

Weather: The Biggest Wild Card

Severe weather is poised to affect many travelers this Memorial Day weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for parts of the Great Plains, Ozarks, and South-Central U.S., with thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes forecasted through Memorial Day.

In the Northeast, an unseasonal May Nor’easter is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds across New England and Mid-Atlantic states, potentially grounding regional flights and creating dangerous driving conditions.

AAA urges travelers to monitor local weather forecasts closely and plan alternate routes if necessary. The NWS also cautions drivers in flood-prone areas to avoid driving through water-covered roads.

When to Travel: Timing is Everything

According to transportation data firm INRIX, the worst traffic congestion will occur on Friday afternoon and Memorial Day Monday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. INRIX recommends returning home earlier in the day on Monday or even delaying return travel until Tuesday for those with flexible schedules.

“Long weekends like this are a perfect storm for road congestion,” said Bob Pishue, INRIX Transportation Analyst. “Leaving before peak hours can save you a lot of time and stress.”

Public Sentiment: Mixed Concerns Over Safety

While Americans are eager to travel, concerns about transportation safety linger. Earlier this year, a midair collision involving a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., reignited fears about air traffic control coordination and safety protocols.

The FAA responded by issuing new routing guidance and improving airspace surveillance in densely trafficked areas. However, passenger confidence remains mixed.

Gary Anderson, a truck driver from Washington D.C., said he hesitated before booking flights to Dallas for a family event. “The safety of flying has been on the back of our minds,” he admitted. “But we didn’t want to spend 20 hours driving either.”

For millions of Americans like Anderson, air travel remains a calculated risk—one they’re willing to take under the right circumstances.

Top Memorial Day Travel Destinations

According to data from AAA and travel booking sites like Hopper, top U.S. destinations this year include:

  • Orlando, Florida – buoyed by theme parks and a new cruise terminal
  • Las Vegas, Nevada – a perennial favorite for entertainment seekers
  • New York City, NY – ideal for quick city breaks
  • Miami, Florida – known for its beaches and nightlife
  • Dallas, Texas – a popular hub for graduations and family reunions

Orlando, in particular, is seeing a boom thanks to the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, drawing visitors nationwide.

Camping and Outdoor Activities Surge

Beyond city escapes, many families are flocking to state parks and campgrounds. In Texas, where stargazing events and nature hikes are abundant, day passes and camping spots sold out at multiple parks.

“Memorial Day is one of our most popular weekends,” said Tara Humphreys, Director of Interpretation at Texas State Parks. “Our events like night sky viewing and guided hikes offer a quiet, affordable retreat.”

International Tourism Still Down

While domestic travel thrives, international tourism to the U.S. continues to underperform. According to Statistics Canada, the number of Canadian residents returning by air from the U.S. in April 2025 dropped 20% year-over-year, while car return trips fell 35%.

Some analysts attribute this to lingering concerns about border security, visa delays, and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, fluctuating currency exchange rates may be reducing Canadians’ spending power in the U.S.

Conclusion: A Holiday Weekend of Movement and Mindfulness

Memorial Day 2025 is poised to set travel records, reflecting Americans’ resilient appetite for exploration and connection. Whether by car, plane, or train, travelers are embracing the freedom of movement, but not without challenges. Between infrastructure issues, weather uncertainties, and evolving safety concerns, planning is more important than ever.

Travelers are advised to stay informed through official resources such as:

  • AAA Travel Forecasts
  • FAA Summer Advisory
  • TSA Passenger Updates
  • National Weather Alerts

Memorial Day is not only a time to travel—it’s a time to remember, reflect, and reconnect. Whether heading to a beach, a city, or a campground under the stars, make the journey safe and the memories lasting.

Source: AP

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