AAA projects a 7% increase in travel this Memorial Day weekend, with 42.3 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home. That's a lot of people competing for space on the road.
If you're leaving the Bay Area, try to avoid traveling between 3-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Instead, plan your departure before 1 p.m. on Thursday or noon on Friday. For the return trip, expect busy periods between noon-3 p.m. on Monday and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday. Optimal times for the return trip are before 10 a.m. on Monday and before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
If you're traveling from San Francisco to Napa via eastbound I-80, expect approximately 77% more traffic than usual at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, resulting in an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 36 minutes. Conversely, the return route from Sacramento to San Francisco via westbound I-80 is projected to be about 44% busier than usual at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
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While gas prices are lower this year compared to the previous Memorial Day, overall travel expenses may be higher due to the rising cost of airline tickets. AAA's booking data indicates a significant 40% increase in airfares to top destinations.
Some popular destinations this Memorial Day include: Orlando, New York City, Las Vegas, and cruise port cities in Florida and Alaska.
Tag us in vacation pictures and have a great trip!
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2023/05/42-3-million-americans-expected-to-travel-for-memorial-day/