Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The 2025 Memorial Day weekend is projected to set a twenty-year record for domestic travel, with over 45 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from May 22 to May 26. According to AAA forecasters, this marks a significant 1.4 million increase in travelers compared to the same period last year. The expected 45.1 million travelers surpasses the previous record of 44 million set in 2005, highlighting the growing appetite for travel during the holiday weekend.
This surge in travel activity comes as the U.S. travel industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Memorial Day traditionally marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, and this year’s forecasted record-setting numbers signal strong demand across various forms of transportation, including road trips, flights, and other modes of travel.
Trends in Memorial Day Travel: Road Trips Leading the Way
According to AAA’s analysis, the vast majority of travelers, about 87 percent, are expected to hit the road for their Memorial Day getaways. The decline in gas prices in recent months has contributed to this surge in road travel, making it more affordable for families to embark on road trips to popular destinations like beaches, national parks, and visits to family and friends. With many travelers opting for domestic vacations, this Memorial Day will see a significant number of Americans choosing to drive rather than fly or use other transportation options.
A key trend observed in AAA’s report is that road trips remain the most popular choice for travelers, as gas prices have shown a slow but steady decline, making it easier for families to plan trips without the worry of rising fuel costs. While some travelers may spend time at luxury resorts or international destinations, others are opting for simpler and less expensive road trip experiences closer to home. According to Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, “Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly.” She noted that while some will embark on dream vacations, many families will pack their cars and drive to nearby destinations such as beaches or national parks, making it an accessible and enjoyable holiday for all.
In addition to beaches and road trips, popular domestic destinations for Memorial Day travel include major U.S. cities, outdoor parks, and scenic driving routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66, which are expected to see heavy traffic. Travelers are also likely to take advantage of the long weekend to visit family and friends, with barbecues and other social gatherings being a staple of the holiday.
Air Travel and Other Modes of Transportation
While most travelers will be driving, air travel is also expected to see an uptick in demand. According to AAA, approximately 8 percent of Memorial Day travelers will take to the skies. This represents a slight increase over last year’s air travel numbers, which signals a continued recovery in the aviation industry as airlines work to meet the demand for domestic and international flights.
Despite the ongoing concerns about air travel safety and the challenges associated with airport security, many Americans are opting to fly for the holiday. However, there has been some decline in the number of international travelers returning to the U.S. following the pandemic. On the flip side, Americans traveling abroad have shown an increased interest in international destinations, particularly in Europe and Latin America. Rome, Italy, is expected to be the most popular international destination for Memorial Day weekend, driven in part by the recent election of the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV. This historic event has sparked a surge of interest among Catholics traveling to Rome to experience the cultural and religious significance of the city during this period.
In addition to flights, other forms of transportation such as buses, trains, and even cruise ships are expected to account for about 5 percent of Memorial Day travel. While this figure is smaller in comparison to road trips and air travel, it still represents a notable segment of the travel market, with cruise lines and train operators offering special deals for long weekends and holiday getaways.
Orlando: Top U.S. Destination for Memorial Day Travel
According to AAA’s booking data, Orlando, Florida, is expected to be the most popular domestic destination for U.S. travelers this Memorial Day. The city’s world-famous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, are expected to attract millions of visitors over the long weekend. Orlando’s affordable vacation packages, family-friendly activities, and warm weather make it a favorite for families and tourists seeking an action-packed getaway.
Other popular destinations for Memorial Day travel include Las Vegas, New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which typically draw large numbers of tourists seeking entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences. National parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are also expected to see increased visitors as outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the holiday to explore nature.
Regional and Local Travel: Impact on Small Towns and Rural Areas
While big cities and well-known tourist spots will see heavy traffic, smaller towns and rural destinations are also benefiting from the Memorial Day travel boom. Many travelers are opting for more remote or secluded destinations, including mountain retreats, lakeside cabins, and country inns, to escape the crowds at more popular locales. This shift towards local and regional travel is part of a broader trend that began during the pandemic, where travelers sought outdoor and less crowded environments as a safer option.
Travel Concerns and Trends Post-Pandemic
The post-pandemic travel boom has brought about some significant changes in travel patterns. While many Americans are eager to travel and explore new destinations, concerns about air travel safety, health protocols, and crowded airports continue to influence some decisions. As a result, road trips have become the preferred option for many, offering a more controlled and flexible travel experience. Furthermore, concerns about travel disruptions due to staffing shortages or delays at airports have led some travelers to rethink their air travel plans, opting instead for domestic road trips or closer-to-home vacations.
The surge in Memorial Day travel is part of a broader resurgence in U.S. tourism that has been unfolding since 2021, with Americans increasingly returning to domestic and international travel. Despite challenges like rising costs and uncertainty surrounding air travel, Americans are eager to get back to traveling, especially for holidays like Memorial Day, which marks the beginning of the busy summer travel season.
Looking Ahead to the Summer Travel Season
With Memorial Day travel setting a record for the past 20 years, experts predict that the summer travel season in 2025 will continue to see strong demand across all modes of transportation. AAA’s projections indicate that this trend is expected to extend into the summer, as Americans look forward to vacationing after years of pandemic-related restrictions. Road trips, in particular, are anticipated to remain a popular choice, given the flexibility, affordability, and variety of options available to travelers.
In conclusion, 45.1 million Americans traveling over Memorial Day weekend represents a new milestone for U.S. tourism, signaling a vibrant and resilient recovery in the industry. With road trips dominating the travel scene, Orlando expected to be the top destination, and air travel showing signs of rebounding, this Memorial Day will serve as a barometer for the continued growth of American tourism as it heads into the summer months.
As travelers plan their holiday weekend, understanding the trends, peak travel times, and popular destinations can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether traveling by car, plane, or other means, Memorial Day 2025 is set to be a record-breaking year for American travel.
