SHREVEPORT, La - AAA Travel expects a significant rebound in the number of Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 27 through May 31, more than 37Â million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, an increase of 60% from last year when only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000.Â
The expected strong increase in demand from last yearâs holiday, which fell during the early phase of the pandemic, still represents 13%âor nearly 6 millionâfewer travelers than in 2019. AAA urges those who choose to travel this year to exercise caution and take measures to protect themselves and others as the pandemic continues.
WCCB Charlotte s CW
AAA predicts 60% more travelers than last year, still 14% below pre-pandemic levels
May 17, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) – For the 1 million North Carolinians expected to travel by car this Memorial Day, gas prices are trending more than $1 higher than last year, when demand plummeted as much of the country was under stay-at-home orders. Now, at $2.93, North Carolina gas price averages are 29 cents more than this time in May 2019.
“Many Carolinians are so eager to travel, we don’t expect higher gas prices to interfere with their plans,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “We typically find when pump prices increase, travelers look for more free activities or eat out less while on vacation, but still take their planned trips.”
60% More Travelers Expected This Memorial Day Holiday Weekend 12 May 2021
More than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day holiday weekend. That’s a 60% increase from last year.
Only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000. According to AAA, in Florida, more than 2 million residents are forecast to take a trip during the holiday weekend. That’s a 62% increase from last year, when fewer than 1.3 million residents traveled, due to the pandemic.
Florida Memorial Day Travel Volumes
“A year’s worth of pent-up demand is being unleashed this summer, as Americans anticipate the kick off to the season,” said