44 million travelers on the go for Memorial Day weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — AAA has projected that 43.8 million travelers will travel 50 miles or over the Memorial Day holiday period of May 23-27.

This marks a four percent increase over 2023’s numbers and passes pre-pandemic numbers for the first time.

This includes road trips, which are expected to bring 38.4 million people to the nation’s highways, which is the highest level since AAA started tracking the statistic in 2000.

This is a four percent increase from 2023 and a tick higher than 2019 at a 1.9 percent increase.

Travelers will be boarding flights at a higher rate as well, as AAA projects 3.51 million air travelers for the holiday weekend, up 4.8 percent from 2023 and up nine percent from 2019.

Nearly two million people will be boarding buses, trains and cruise ships, which is a 5.6 percent increase from 2023.

AAA booking data shows Orlando, FL, New York City, Las Vegas and southern California are the most popular destinations for 2024.

Looking to book for the summer?

AAA says now is the best time to book as delaying can result in sold-out cruises, tours or direct flights.