CANTON – Ohioans are planning to hit the road in droves this Memorial Day weekend after the pandemic led many to stay home last year, according to a new analysis by AAA.
However, those drivers can expect to pay for their newfound freedom at the pump with gas prices across the state, especially in Eastern Ohio, at their highest levels since 2014, AAA says.
The travel club estimates that 1.7 million Ohioans will travel farther than 50 miles, 95% of them by car. That translates to a 57% rise in Memorial Day travel from last year’s record low.
"As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and consumer confidence grows, Americans are demonstrating a strong desire to travel this Memorial Day," Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a prepared statement.