Certain times of year inspire more travel than others. Memorial Day weekend certainly fits that bill. AAA estimated 44 million people traveled during Memorial Day weekend in 2024, and that popularity is at least in part due to the holiday’s reputation as the unofficial beginning to summer.
A Memorial Day weekend getaway can be just what people need to get into the summer swing of things. With summer set to kick off, even if only unofficially, travelers can consider these tips to make the most of this popular time to travel.
• Book early. Whether Memorial Day weekend travelers are flying or traveling by bus or train, it’s important to book reservations as early as possible. Flights on popular travel weekends fill up quickly, so booking early can increase the chances flyers will be able to depart and return at the time of their choosing. The same goes for bus and train travel. Lodging also can fill up quickly, so book hotel reservations or reserve stays through sites such as Airbnb as early as possible. Booking early can help travelers ensure they aren’t shut out of their desired destination, and it also can save money, as rates tend to go up the closer one gets to the travel weekend.
• Time your travel. Memorial Day weekend motorists might want to get on the road before the sun rises. Leaving early, when there are fewer cars on the road, reduces the chances of being caught in a traffic jam. If pre-dawn is simply too early, AAA indicates it’s best for Thursday and Friday travelers to be on the road prior to 11 a.m. Leaving after 7 p.m. on Thursday or 8 p.m. on Friday is best for those who must travel at night. Travelers taking to the air or the rails might also benefit by leaving on Thursday and/or returning on the Tuesday after Memorial Day to reduce time spent in crowded airports or train stations.
• Expect delays. Travel delays can be stressful, but they’re nearly inevitable during peak travel periods like Memorial Day weekend. Parents traveling with young children can plan for travel delays by packing extra snacks and downloading extra entertainment onto kids’ tablets. Adults traveling without children can build delays into their itineraries and consider them before booking dining or entertainment reservations on the day of their arrival.
• Limit luggage. Memorial Day weekend tends to feature ample sunshine and warm weather, which makes it easier to travel light. Air travelers can pack just a carry-on so they don’t have to wait at the luggage carousel or worry about potentially lost bags. Car and train travelers also can pack light so they have more room to maneuver.
Memorial Day weekend is a busy time to travel. A handful of strategies can make this year’s travels a little more manageable.
