Traffic moves down Seventh Avenue seen from the One Times Square Viewing Observation Deck on December 26. This year's travel is expected to set a new Memorial Day weekend record, with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million traveling by plane. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Millions of Americans are projected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend.
The holiday marks the unofficial start to the summer season, though AccuWeather meteorologists say this year, a sharp cooldown is expected to take over the Northeast. Still, this year's travel is expected to set a new Memorial Day weekend record, with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million traveling by plane, according to the American Automobile Association.
Gas prices are higher than last year's holiday, when the national average for a regular gallon of gasoline on Memorial Day was $3.17. Current pump prices are the highest they've been since the summer of 2022, standing at a national average of $4.55 as of May 20. However, travel experts suggest it won't deter people seeking some downtime.
"Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks," Vice President of AAA Travel Stacey Barber said.
