AAA Forecasts Record-Setting Memorial Day Travel
The company said this year is expected to set a record with 39.1 million people traveling by car.
May 19, 2026
AAA projects that 45 million Americans will travel over 50 miles from home for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The company said this year’s domestic travel forecast is “slightly higher” than last year and is expected to set a new Memorial Day weekend record with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.6 million expected to fly to their destinations.
According to the report, driving is the most popular way to travel and makes up 87% of the share of Memorial Day travelers.
Research projects that Orlando, Florida, is the number one domestic destination for the holiday weekend.
“For travelers who are renting cars over Memorial Day weekend, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest pick-up days. The top five markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Boston,” AAA said.
Travel by other modes is expected to go up by 5% with 2.2 million people traveling by bus, train or cruise over Memorial Day weekend, according to research.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
Retailers along key travel routes are building unique experiences to make their stores a memorable piece of customers’ journeys. Read more about how c-stores can be road trip destinations in “Worth the Road Trip!” in the May 2025 issue of NACS Magazine.
