Memorial Day expected to be busy for travelers

AAA predicts 42.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Memorial Day, and expected increase of 7% over 2022. In Oregon, approximately 578,000 are expected to travel between May 25-29.

“Memorial Day 2023 will likely be one for the record books. Despite inflation, more Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier. Air travel in particular is seeing a significant bump, even with higher airfare. AAA expects travel will remain robust all summer long,” said Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Oregon Department of Transportation also said people should expect heavier traffic over Memorial Day weekend.

While nearly 88% of travelers will drive, air travel is back to pre-pandemic levels at 8%, according to AAA.

The top destinations for Oregonians are Anaheim, Maui and Las Vegas, according to AAA. While Dublin, Rome and London are top international destinations and Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast and Crater Lake are top regional destinations.

Most Memorial Day travelers will take a road trip. In all, 37.1 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 6% over 2022. About two million more will go by car compared to last year. Still, car travel this holiday will be shy of pre-pandemic numbers by about 500,000 travelers.

In Oregon, roughly 477,000 will drive to their Memorial Day destinations. Although those wanting to check out Crater Lake may want to check first, as Rim Drive and North Entrance Road were closed as of Tuesday due to snow.

Gas prices this year are lower than a year ago, with the national average at $3.43 and the Oregon average at $4.13 as of May 13. Airfare has increased in price, hotels have stayed relatively the same cost, while rental cars have gone down in price.

INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, predicts drivers will encounter the longest travel delays before the holiday weekend, particularly from 3-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Delays on major roads could be two to three times longer than normal travel times as holiday travelers mix with commuters.

“Traffic will be busier than usual throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but knowing the best and worst times to drive can help you avoid major congestion. Avoid the peak times and try to avoid urban areas when traffic is heaviest. Whenever you go, expect it to take longer than usual to reach your destination,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The best times to drive over the Memorial Day period are in the morning and late evening on Thursday and Friday, and before 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

ODOT said following Memorial Day weekend, summer travel and construction begin to ramp up.