CONNECTICUT, USA — The holiday travel rush is starting early for Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to summer.
"Everyone’s in good spirits, I feel like,” Ethan Tiffany said. “Everyone seems happier.”
Triple A estimates nearly 44 million people will travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend, a four percent increase from last year.
“I have family down south so we are spending the holiday weekend in Florida at the beach,” Emma Obeirne said.
“AAA is expecting 470,000 Connecticut residents to travel for the Memorial Day holiday,” Tracy Noble, AAA spokesperson of Greater Hartford, said. “It is the highest number that we've seen since 2005, so we're looking at almost a 20 year high.”
91% of travelers are expected to drive to their destination, even with gas prices up eight cents a gallon nationally compared to last Memorial Day.
“People want to travel and people are looking for those experiences,” Noble said. “So despite the gas prices, despite the increase in grocery costs, people are learning to cut back in other ways. And they're looking to spend time with family and friends and take those trips.”
If you are traveling Thursday, AAA says to hit the road early to avoid heavy traffic, ideally before 11 a.m. or noon.
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. is typically the busiest time to travel over the holiday stretch, due to a combination of visitor and commuter traffic.
When planning the trip home, shoot for Monday night after 6, and don’t forget to prepare your vehicle ahead of time.
“Before you load the family into the vehicle, check the tires, make sure your battery has been replaced with in the last five years.," Noble said. "Also, top off the fluids and make sure your brakes are in good working order. The last thing you want is to run into trouble as you're trying to go have an enjoyable family time.”
It is also expected to be the busiest Memorial Day weekend in decades at U.S. airports. AAA projects 3.6 million people flying nationwide, including 40,000 Connecticut residents.
Travel experts advise flyers to pack plenty of patience and time for check-in and security.
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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