As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Ohio is bracing for a surge in travelers. According to AAA, an estimated 43.8 million people are expected to hit the road for the holiday nationwide, marking a 4% increase from last year and nearing the 2005 record of 44 million travelers.
Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, noted the significance of these numbers. “We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” she said. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, signaling not only a return to pre-pandemic levels but also a potentially busy summer travel season ahead.”
Road trips are anticipated to reach record levels, with AAA projecting that 38.4 million people will travel by car over the Memorial Day weekend. This figure represents the highest number for the holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000, and is up 4% from last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. AAA’s car rental partner, Hertz, reports that Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas are the cities with the highest rental demand, with the busiest pick-up days expected to be Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24.
As for gas prices, drivers can expect them to be similar to last year’s national average of roughly $3.57. While pump prices have risen this spring, they have remained somewhat steady in recent weeks. However, prices may inch higher as the summer driving season kicks off. The cost of oil, influenced by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, remains a wildcard.
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, advises drivers leaving on Thursday or Friday to hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Those returning home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak. “Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal,” warned Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary.”
As Ohio prepares for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, travelers are urged to plan ahead and stay informed to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.