memory lane travel day trips 2023

26 Last-Minute Memorial Day Weekend Getaways You Can Still Book

By Caitlin Morton and Emily Pennington

One of the best parts about living in North America is the sheer diversity of easy access three-day-weekend trips spanning the gamut of drool-worthy travel destinations. Want to hop on a quick flight to an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks? We’ve got you covered. Looking to road trip to a national park full of mangrove lagoons and colorful coral reefs? Yep, that’s also an option.

Whether you’d rather languidly sip a cocktail in a balmy tropical destination or feel the surge of adrenaline on a whitewater rafting trip, there are tons of destinations, both domestic and abroad, that are a cinch to get to and easy to explore this Memorial Day. Here are the best long weekend getaways to consider for 2023.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Late May marks the beginning of Cape Cod’s whale watching season, and wildlife enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to set out in the sunshine and try to catch a glimpse of migrating humpback and finback whales. Book with  Hyannis (out of Barnstable) or  Sea Salt Charters (out of Provincetown), both of whom work with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) to ensure safe and sustainable practices. Afterwards, grab an overflowing scoop of Marstons Mills Mint Chip or Bass River Black Raspberry at  Cape Cod Creamery , or snack on classic New England clam chowder and an extra-buttery lobster roll at  Sesuit Harbor Café , overlooking the water.

Stay here:  Not far from the stunning nature of the Outer Cape, there are loads of oceanfront villas and lodges designed with utmost comfort and privacy in mind.  The Villages at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club , in Brewster, offers airy suites full of clean neutrals and has access to its sister resort’s nine tennis courts, five pools, bike rentals, and private beach. Just south of that is  Chatham Bars Inn , situated on 25 private acres perched atop a seaside bluff. Catch some Zs in an adorable cottage with bay windows, private decks, and cozy fireplaces, and enjoy amenities like an on-site spa, golf course, and Japanese Zen gardens.

St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg is the ideal Florida city for a long weekend vacation. Nestled along the serene Gulf Coast, St. Pete has some of the most enviable beaches in the state, but it’s also gaining recognition for its thriving arts scene. Most notable is the world-renowned Dalí Museum , but don’t miss the colorful and unique murals adorning the downtown area as well. Meanwhile, the St. Pete Pier, reopened in summer 2020 after a years-long revitalization effort, offers 26 acres of dining, entertainment, and greenery to explore near downtown.

Stay here: Art lovers should stay at the historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection , with a downtown location close to murals and museums. The resort also boasts several outdoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and its own marina.

Sedona, Arizona

A year-round haven for new age radicals, desert-loving hikers , and singletrack-speeding mountain bikers, Sedona truly comes alive in the spring, when the weather hovers around a breezy 86 degrees, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Immerse yourself in the locale’s famous red rocks on the easy  Fay Canyon Trail , then unwind in town with a sumptuous spa treatment at  The Wilde or  Amara Resort and Spa . Meet a mystic or buy a fully-charged crystal at the legendary  Center for the New Age before indulging in a fabulous canyon-view dinner at  Che Ah Chi .

Stay here:  If you’re alright staying out of town,  Enchantment Resort (and their newly-refurbished sister property  Mii amo ) are the best of the bunch, and ultra-close to must-have experiences, like hiking and cycling through dramatic sandstone ravines. If you’re hell-bent on sleeping in town, check out the wellness program at luxurious  L’Auberge de Sedona , which, apart from having dreamy cottages set against the backdrop of Oak Creek, hosts art therapy sessions, yoga classes, and sound healing sit-ins.

Carlsbad, California

Every year from March to May, ranunculus flowers take over 50 acres of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (most people visit during peak bloom in April, so you’ll dodge the flower peepers over MDW). But this coastal SoCal town is well worth visiting beyond the botanicals. You can easily spend a long weekend swimming and kayaking off the beaches, taking the family to LEGOLAND California, or indulging in some seriously great food. Be sure to stop by Jeune et Jolie , a contemporary French-style bistro that earned its first Michelin star in late 2021; then finish up with some must-try shortbread cookies (all made with local ingredients) at Carlsbad Cookie Company .

Stay here: When you’re not busy filling your Instagram feed with florals, rest up in peak luxury at the Park Hyatt Aviara , a Hot List and Readers’ Choice Award winner. The 200-acre coastal resort attracts visitors with an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, and both family-friendly and adults-only pool areas.

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Calgary and Banff National Park, Canada

What used to be known as a big-industry cowboy town has since been revitalized into a hotel and foodie mecca, and it’s all just a 90-minute drive from iconic  Banff National Park . Fly into Calgary and spend a day walking around picturesque Prince’s Island Park and stop in for a hearty brunch at  River Café , which uses locally-sourced produce and seafood in its dishes. Grab dinner and a craft cocktail at ultra-hip  Shokunin , located right downtown. If you've only got one day to spend in Banff, rent a car and head for the darling  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise , which sits at the edge of the brilliantly blue tarn that shares its name. From here, guests can hop directly onto a series of postcard-worthy hiking trails, canoe in the lake, or catch some incredible, bird’s eye views of the Canadian Rockies from the  Lake Louise Summer Gondola , which opens May 19. Hoping to see a glacier up close? The  Columbia Icefield Adventure opened on May 6.

Stay here:  In town, keep it historic and elegant by booking a room at the centrally-located  Fairmont Palliser , or get funky and enjoy Bow River views at newer  Alt Hotel Calgary East Village . In Banff, there’s no better activity access than at  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (pro tip: they just revamped their restaurant and wellness programs in mid-2022), which features marvelous views of rocky mountaintops and, of course, glacially-fed Lake Louise.

We’ve never been more excited to plan a trip to Maine, thanks in large part to the 2021 opening of Under Canvas’s new outpost in Acadia National Park. The 100-acre oceanfront “glampsite” feature 62 luxe tents, which guests can enjoy between hiking, picking blueberries, or chartering their own personal lobster boat. Outside of Acadia on Deer Isle, we’re also eager to visit Aragosta at Goose Cove , a restaurant helmed by Devin Finigan, who was recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2020 James Beard Awards. As an added bonus, Aragosta doubles as a hotel from May to November, with 12 suites and cottages.

Stay here: If you decide to pass on Under Canvas, head to Portland for your accommodations. The Press Hotel , located downtown, is a continuous winner in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, thanks to its fun journalism theme (complete with typewriters in the lobby), comfortable beds, and a restaurant serving up super-local dishes.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas has long been the favorite landing spot of party-ready spring breakers, but you’re likely to find a more laidback crowd during Memorial Day Weekend. Charter a boat to see the famous El Arco rock formation and do some snorkeling, then head back to town for some seriously delicious Mexican food. We recommend Los Michoacanos , a small chain that has a recipe for pork carnitas dating back to 1899.

Stay here: Enveloped by short, craggy hills on 24 pristine acres of Baja California beachfront, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (a Readers’ Choice Award winner for five years running) is practically floating in open waters. Take advantage of the “Beyond the Beach Curated Exploration” program, which offers a personalized day trip to swim with whale sharks and snorkel in Cabo Pulmo Marine Park.

The Finger Lakes, New York

Long known for its wine, the Finger Lakes of New York has been undergoing a positive transformation over the past few years. The 14-county region, defined by its 11 long, skinny lakes, is about four to five hours northwest of New York City by car, and city folks will certainly enjoy the slow, rural pace of life here. For the holiday weekend, we particularly recommend the town of Waterloo, also known as the birthplace of Memorial Day. This is where the first formal observance of the holiday was held, and today you can visit landmarks like the National Memorial Day Museum and Scythe Tree, which was originally planted by a Civil War soldier. Then, head south to the storybook village of Aurora, where you should grab lunch at Fargo Bar & Grill before settling down in one of the town’s historic inns.

Stay here: We’re big fans of the Inns of Aurora , a collection of luxury guesthouses with eclectic interiors and lake views. The inn also has one of the best hotel amenities we’ve come across: a Director of Serenity, who is dedicated to bringing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness to guests, whether it’s through one-on-one yoga lessons or curated relaxation playlists and customized aromatherapy.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

As the weather gets increasingly hot in Phoenix, residents flock to northern Arizona for cooler temperatures. (Well, relatively cooler.) If you have yet to visit one of the country’s most popular national parks, go ahead and follow the locals to the Grand Canyon to enjoy the world wonder in all its glory. Aim to hit the trails by 10 a.m. at the latest to dodge the big crowds and searing sun—although you should pack extra sunscreen just in case.

Stay here: Book a room at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel , located in Williams right next door to the Grand Canyon Railway train depot. Here you'll be just a train ride—a very scenic train ride—away from the Grand Canyon, and you can avoid the long lines of traffic into the park. It’s even possible to charter an entire railway car complete with chefs and bartenders, ideal for milestone moments like graduation, family reunions, or birthday.

Williamsburg, Virginia

One of our favorite weekend getaways from D.C. , Williamsburg is a great place to spend Memorial Day. The city stands in the middle of what’s dubbed the historic triangle (along with Jamestown and Yorktown), in a Virginia peninsula bookended by the James and York rivers. Aside from spending time outdoors in Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown’s open-air museums, there are plenty of fun activities that signal the start of summer: kayaking, golfing, farmer’s markets in Yorktown, and, of course, a full day spent at Busch Gardens .

Stay here: Staying at one of the Colonial Williamsburg Resorts allows you to soak up all that history and culture even after the attractions close. The resorts are offering a Summer Getaway Package beginning in mid-May that comes with nightly accommodations, Busch Gardens tickets, passes to Colonial Williamsburg, and more.

Puerto Rico

We’ve evangelized about Puerto Rico for many reasons in recent years, from the post-Hurricane Maria hotel renovations to the relatively low prices of round-trip airfares. While the island certainly warrants repeat visits, you can get a good taste of San Juan and its surrounding beaches in just three days . Walk around the capital city’s candy-colored historic district and sample classic Puerto Rican cuisine at Café Manolin, then rent a car and seek out some nature. It only takes about six hours to drive around the entire island, giving you ample time to visit sites like the idyllic Dorado Beach and El Yunque National Forest.

Stay here: Spend your nights (and part of your days) at the luxurious modern retreat that is Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve . After being greeted at check-in with tropical popsicles, you can expect huge rooms, cinematic views of the ocean, and a private butler to arrange helicopter tours and private yacht bookings.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

May is considered the ideal month for  paddling high whitewater on the New River, and if you’re looking for an epic (and active) family getaway, look no further than America’s youngest national park,  New River Gorge . With an average high of 70 degrees throughout the month, it’s also an excellent time to hit the area’s many hiking trails (we love the 3.2-mile (round trip) jaunt to  Long Point , which features an excellent view of the impressive steel of New River Gorge Bridge). There’s loads of world-class  rock climbing in the park, too, as well as mellow opportunities to grab your  stand-up paddleboard and enjoy the sunset at Summersville Lake.

Stay here:  By far, the biggest game in town is  Adventures on the Gorge , which boasts everything from cozy glamping tents to deluxe four-bedroom cabins with private hot tubs (they’ve also got a tasty on-site restaurant overlooking the gorge that serves up standard Americana fare– Smokey’s ). Or, if you’ve got the whole crew in tow, snag an amenity-rich vacation rental like  The Paddle House or  The LilyPad .

Washington, D.C.

Given the patriotic nature of the holiday weekend, our nation’s capital is one of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways. Set aside time for the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30 at 2 p.m., which ushers floats, marching bands, and veterans down Constitution Avenue. Then pay your respects at the various memorials and monuments on the National Mall, and book a table at one of the trendy restaurants near The Wharf. Come nighttime, the city’s abundance of stellar hotels will have you spoiled for choice.

Stay here: Open since October 2020, Hotel Zena is proving to be one of the buzziest hotels in the city. The hotel has branded itself with artsy women’s empowerment, from the portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg hanging in the lobby to the transparent reception desk filled with recycled high heels. Consider its Logan Circle location an added bonus.

You must admit, a long weekend spent lounging on pink-sand beaches and sipping rum swizzles sounds pretty perfect. That’s exactly what you’ll get (and then some) on a trip to Bermuda , which is an easy 90-minute, non-stop flight from New York. Despite its small size of about 21 miles long, the North Atlantic island is filled with tons of things to do , from helmet diving and nature reserve tours to excellent shops and restaurants. But if you want to spend most of your trip on those aforementioned beaches, we wouldn’t blame you a bit.

Stay here: On a hilltop overlooking a turquoise harbor, Rosewood Bermuda is the epitome of extravagance—there’s no better place to book if you want a trip of pure luxury and relaxation. The 92 rooms and suites are straight out of the pages of a design magazine, with crisp white linens on elegant four-poster beds, spa-like bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs, and large private balconies offering Atlantic views. You can also expect a championship-caliber golf course, several swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a private pink-sand beach in case you prefer your sunbathing with a side of exclusivity.

Cape May, New Jersey

There’s lots to love about Cape May. The town’s historic Victorian district is a perfect marriage of charm and history, and miles of intricate, candy-colored mansions make for prime early-morning-stroll viewing. And then there are the beaches. While the town itself has just over two miles of shoreline, you can find about 30 miles of white-sand, activity-packed beaches along the entire Jersey Cape. (Just note that everyone above the age of 12 must obtain a beach tag from Memorial Day through Labor Day, which can be purchased online .) Another big Cape May draw? Some of the best birdwatching in the country.

Stay here: The Blue Oasis beach house ( available on VRBO ) is one of our favorite small-town vacation rentals . The recently renovated home has four bedrooms and two spacious decks overlooking the water. It’s only a five-second walk from the back deck to the ocean, and you might even spot some humpback whales if you’re lucky (June to September are the true peak viewing months, but the entire season runs from March to December).

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

There’s no wrong time to visit Yellowstone (yes, even in the dead of winter ), but this year marks the National Park’s 150th birthday —a great excuse to visit now if there ever was one. The landmark is a great one to explore by car, with most of the main attractions main attractions situated along the 142-mile Grand Loop Road. But if you want to dodge the crowds (and there most definitely will be crowds), pick one area and head off the main road along any of the 1,100 miles of trails. For example, you can head to the popular Mammoth Hot Springs and then try a moderate hike at the nearby Bunson Peak Trailhead; or see the Old Faithful geyser, then hop on the Mystic Falls Trailhead for a three-mile roundtrip hike to a 70-foot waterfall.

Stay here: A mere 10-minute drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance in Montana, Under Canvas Yellowstone is one of the best options for those who value location and convenience (and a whole lot of amenities) above all else. Each of the tents has a private deck, a private shower and toilet, and a wood-burning stove to keep warm when the sun goes down—plus, as with all Under Canvas properties, luxurious perks like organic bath products and West Elm furnishings.

Rounding out our list of Memorial Day weekend getaways is Austin, a city that pulls out all the stops for the holiday—namely in the form of the Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival (May 25–28). The festival is basically a combination of the city’s two favorite things: food and music. Dozens of local chefs will be cooking up some of their signature dishes (Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s Barbecue and Alon Shaya of Saba are two stand-outs), while DJ Jazzy Jeff and Superchunk will headline the musical performances. Even if you decide to skip the festival, Austin has enough breakfast tacos, hiking trails, line dancing, mezcal, and food trucks to keep you plenty busy all weekend.

Stay here: Just 10 minutes from downtown, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection feels like a secret European escape with its English-style gardens and Italianate and Spanish Revival architecture. The rooms are bathed in custom pink wallpaper, vintage rugs, and soft velvet textiles, though the organic garden and swimming pool will certainly lure you outside. It’s the perfect spot to take a relaxed, meditative breath between jaunts into the city center.

Biscayne National Park, Florida

Picture a sprawling saltwater bay full of psychedelic coral reefs, maze-like mangrove forests, quirky manatees, aquamarine water, and tropical islets. Are you picturing the Caribbean? Think again.  Biscayne National Park , on the southeastern edge of Florida, offers road trip access to sights typically seen on a far-flung island vacay. Schedule a  Sail, Paddle, Snorkel & Island Visit tour with Biscayne Bay Institute to soak up the best of the area’s history and scenery (trying to spot baby sharks and lobsters underwater). If you’ve got extra time, spend a day cruising down the sun-spattered  Overseas Highway to Key West and visit the historic  Hemingway Home .

Stay here:  To really take in that colorful Keys vibe that locals love to tout, stay at  Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and request a Bay Front Suite to sip your morning coffee as the sun’s glow hovers above the Atlantic surf. Or, if you’re feeling spendy, bed down at the ultra-romantic  Bungalows Key Largo , which boasts rows of private indoor/outdoor bungalows, porches with water views, and outdoor soaking tubs under the twinkling Milky Way.

Whidbey Island, Washington

Just 30 miles north of Seattle sits Whidbey Island, the Pacific Northwest ’s answer to Nantucket. The 55-mile-long island is a mecca for outdoorsy folks, with enough water sports and hiking trails to plan an entire trip around—especially during late spring and early summer. To get a unique sense of space, book a tree-climbing excursion with AdventureTerra . With the help of ropes and a guide, climbers ascend the island’s Coastal Douglas Firs to reach the top of the forest canopy with a bird’s eye view of the famous Deception Pass Bridge and neighboring San Juan Islands.

Stay here: Originally built in 1907, the Captain Whidbey inn was rebooted in 2019—and it still remains our favorite place to stay on the island. The six-acre, 30-room property has its own private lagoon and dock, and the best way to arrive is by seaplane at dusk.

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Daufuskie, a car-free historic island off Hilton Head, was once considered the Martha’s Vineyard of the South. It’s far more accessible now than in the past, and you can stay right on one of its beautiful beaches in either a converted mansion or an old lighthouse. Don’t leave before horseback riding on the beach, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins somersaulting above the waves.

Stay here: Stay at the aforementioned 1873 Lighthouse at Haig Point, complete with two bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and porch overlooking Calibogue Sound, plus access to the beach where you’ll never see more than a dozen people at one time.

Iceland is one of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways. While you can’t possibly see all of the country’s greatest hits in one long weekend, you can certainly get a good taste. Set up camp in Reykjavik, then rent a car and drive your way through the Golden Circle’s trio of iconic attractions: Thingvellir , Geysir, and Gullfoss.

Stay here: Iceland’s capital finally got the five-star hotel it deserves with the The Reykjavík Edition , a Hot List 2022 winner that opened about six months ago. The hotel is a mash-up of everything we love about Edition hotels with plenty of Icelandic flair: think an enormous undulating wall projection of the Northern Lights in the lobby, minibars stocked with local snacks, and a restaurant serving up Icelandic lamb loin and house-made coffee ice cream.

Waikiki, Hawaii

With a large military population, Memorial Day is widely celebrated in Hawaii. Get a sampling of everything by staying near Waikiki Beach , a popular swim and surf destination that is only about 25 minutes away from Pearl Harbor by car. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, pay tribute at the Remembrance Circle, and learn about the events of December 7, 1941, at interactive exhibits, then head back to the vibrant Waikiki community to shop, sunbathe, and relax.

Stay here: The retro-inspired Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is located right in the center of Waikiki, and offers artistic decor, an award-winning restaurant, and pool with custom tile spelling out “Wish You Were Here” at the bottom.

North Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Ski season ends in Lake Tahoe after April, but the region still offers tons of great outdoor activities as the weather warms up. There really is something for everyone here, from hiking and biking to bird-watching and golf; or get on the water and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail , a 72-mile water route connecting public beaches with landing sites. For something extra special, take a “Lit Up After Dark” tour with Wild Society Adventures to experience the lake after dark from a clear-bottom kayak.

Stay here: North Lake Tahoe’s only waterfront resort, the Hyatt Regency , encourages outdoor play year-round, and new on-site adventure and wellness specialists can plan electric bike tours on the Tahoe East Shore Trail (great for sunset watching), painting classes among the pines, or morning meditations at the resort’s Water Garden.

British Virgin Islands

Made up of more than 60 islands, the British Virgin Islands have no shortage of coastline to explore. To escape the crowds, seek out Sage Mountain, a notable landmark. Wandering among elephant ear vines and native trees, you’ll encounter tropical flora and fauna, while numerous lookouts offer views of sea and sky. Virgin Gorda is the third largest of the BVI, with natural beauty covering virtually all of its 8.5 square miles. The island offers quiet beaches and coves and flora-filled national parks. Perhaps the prettiest (and most popular) attraction, though, is the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.

Stay here: You can’t do better than Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, which reopened in early 2020 after a four-year renovation. You’ll be treated with a choice of 80 updated guest rooms, hiking trails across the island, and a new cliffside spa.

Colorado Springs

There are five military institutions in Colorado Springs, so Memorial Day weekend is always a city-wide celebration—and, as always, the beautiful scenery of Colorado is within easy reach. We’re still reeling with excitement from last year’s reopening of The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway , a 130-year-old train fresh off a multi-year, $100 million renovation. The railway is the highest in the country, taking guests above 14,000 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak.

Stay here: A favorite among our readers, The Broadmoor feels more like a grand hotel in the Alps than a domestic destination. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, golf, fly fishing, and hiking. (The 5,000-acre resort has its own waterfalls to make hiking even better.) This Memorial Day, be sure to order a pint of the Broadmoor’s own custom beer, the Prospector’s Pick Kolsch, which is made by a Veteran-owned brewery in Colorado Springs.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

The Niagara Peninsula—a stretch of Ontario that borders the Great Lakes, about 90 minutes southeast of Toronto—offers hundreds of miles of scenic roads and waterways for the traveler who longs for some outdoor solitude. (In fact, this area is so serene, it seems almost impossible that Niagara Falls and the tens of millions of people who visit it every year are just a half hour down the road.) Anchor yourself in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the far east side of the region, then spend your days exploring. We suggest you rent a bike from Zoom Leisure and leisurely peddle along gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and vineyards, and maybe even stop by a tasting room or two. Back in town, unwind at one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s excellent restaurants, wineries, or bakeries.

Stay here: If Victorian decor (without being fuddy-duddy, we should add) is your thing, Prince of Wales Hotel is the place for you. The hotel sits right on the main drag on Niagara-on-the-Lake, making it prime for those who’d prefer to stroll around rather than drive, while its British-inspired hospitality includes polite staff and afternoon tea service. The rooms feature floral wallpaper and four-poster beds, and amenities include an indoor pool, restaurant, lounge, and spa.

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Memorial Day Weekend 2023 Is Expected to Break Travel Records — Here's When to Leave to Avoid Traffic

AAA Travel expects the holiday weekend to be one of the busiest since 2000.

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More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, marking a notable increase from last year and one of the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekends on record.

In total, 42.3 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes over the Memorial Day holiday weekend (known as the unofficial start of summer) from Thursday, May 25, to Monday, May 29, according to AAA . That represents a 7 percent increase — or 2.7 million more people — compared to the same time period in 2022.

The jump is being seen across the board from air travel to road trips , trains , buses, and more.

“This is expected to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000, when AAA started tracking holiday travel,” Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier, despite inflation. This summer travel season could be one for the record books, especially at airports.”

For those hitting the road, more than 37 million Americans will hit the road and road trips will see a 6 percent increase compared to 2022. That’s spurred by lower prices at the pump with a gallon averaging about $3.54 nationally, according to AAA . Last year, the average was more than $4 per gallon over the holiday weekend.

Travelers who are driving and want to beat traffic should avoid heading out on Friday, May 26, which is expected to be the busiest day on the roads. The least crowded driving days will be Saturday and Sunday while the best times to drive are in the mornings or after 6 p.m.

When it comes to air travel, nearly 3.4 million travelers are expected to fly for the holiday weekend, an 11 percent increase compared to last year and a 5.4 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic in 2019. In fact, the Memorial Day weekend could be the busiest for airports since 2005, according to the report.

That’s on par with a recent report from Hopper that showed international airfare is expected to reach a 5-year high this summer with the increase attributed to a combination of lower supply, high fuel costs, and high demand. And just last month, Delta reported its international flights were already 75 percent booked for the summer.

Other modes of transportation are also seeing a bump with 1.85 million people expected to take a bus or train, a 20.6 percent increase compared to 2022. And domestic cruise bookings are up a whopping 50 percent compared to last year (with port cities in Florida, Alaska, and Seattle in high demand for summer).

“We are seeing a demand for iconic cities, international vacation packages, and cruises with included amenities that provide more value for the price,” Twidale said.

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How to Travel Stress-Free This Memorial Day Weekend

T his Memorial Day weekend, 43.8 million travelers are expected to hit the road to kick off the summer season.

Whether you’re staying local or spending the weekend out of town, be prepared for crowds. “It's going to be busy, no matter what you do,” says Christina Jelski, a senior editor with Northstar Travel Group’s Travel Weekly. “Leave early, give yourself plenty of wiggle room, and go in with the expectation that it's going to be crowded and delays [might] happen.”

Ahead of the busy weekend, TIME spoke to experts who shared their tips on how to make the most of the holiday no matter where you are.  

Think ahead

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to buying supplies for a weekend barbeque or booking passes for national parks— taking the time to get what you need ahead of the long weekend can save you a headache down the line. 

“Everyone talks about the mad rush at the airport and on the roads, but there's also a mad rush at the grocery stores,” says Erika Richter, VP of Communications & Marketing at the American Society of Travel Advisors. 

The same goes for your travel itinerary. Experts recommend creating a backup plan in case there are delays or cancellations. “If your flight’s delayed or canceled because during the holidays, you can't easily grab another flight,” says Karen Schaler, the founder of Travel Therapy. She recommends looking into alternative travel routes or backup flights in advance. “Do not count on the airlines to find you something over the holidays. If your flight is canceled, often [automatic booking] will rebook you for after the holidays,” she says.

Be creative with your travel plans

To beat the traffic, keep an eye out for destinations you can visit by train , especially if you live in the Northeast. “You could easily plan a quick weekend getaway by relying primarily on train service if you live somewhere that is well connected by train lines,” says Jelski, who notes that some hotels and resorts even provide shuttle or car service to pick you up from the station. 

It also helps to be open minded about where you plan to go—especially if you’re planning a last minute trip. “If you're looking to go last minute somewhere for the holidays, you're not going to pick the top 20 places that come to mind,” says Schaler. “If it came to your mind, it's going to come to somebody else's.”

Find ways to keep yourself entertained

Despite the excitement travel brings, a delayed flight or traffic jam can easily dampen the mood. To stave off boredom, Richter recommends packing games— like a pair of dice or a deck of cards—to pass the time while traveling. You can also create a shared playlist with your family or friends to listen to during your trip.“There’s something for everybody—and no one’s fighting over the music,” she says. 

Don’t forget to pack a portable charger. “If you're delayed or if you're just trying to recharge and you can't find one, you’re going to want to have your own,” says Schaler. 

Look around your neighborhood

You don’t have to travel far to have a good time, experts say. Many towns host free holiday parades, festivals, and concerts that help support the community. If you have kids, something as simple as making s’mores or bringing out glow sticks after dark can contribute to a fun weekend. “Even if you're not going anywhere, I would still think about what kind of memories you want to create,” says Richter.

It helps to ground a staycation in a specific theme, says Schaler, whether that be an outdoor day hiking local trails or a global food crawl through different cuisines. If you do decide to take a staycation, create boundaries—and stick to them. “Make sure you go all in,” Schaler says. “You can't be answering phone calls and doing a little work and then say, ‘This is my spa day.’”

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Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

Traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Here's what AAA expects traffic to be like

As families gear up for the unofficial start of summer this weekend, motorists may find the roads are busier than usual as record setting amounts of drivers are headed for their Memorial Day adventures.

Travel projections from AAA are predicting that over 43 million travelers will be celebrating the holiday weekend by traveling over 50 miles from their homes, a 4% increase over the same season during 2023. While the numbers are not as high as the record high number of travelers in 2005, the early summer travel season is showing that families are continuing to increase their travel plans.

“Long holiday weekends like Memorial Day are the perfect way to kick off the summer travel season and Americans will be traveling in record-breaking numbers this year,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president of AAA East Central. “Whether it’s a family road trip, a luxury cruise or a train trip across New England, travelers are making choices that will ensure they have the trip of a lifetime.”

Vehicle travel predicted to be at record setting levels, experts warn of high levels of traffic

According to the company's predictions, around 38 million people will be traveling in their car over Memorial Day weekend. In the forecast's Mid-Atlantic Region, which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, there is expected to be around 4.6 million motorists on the roadways. According to AAA, some of the factors driving this personal form of travel are the flexibility and convenience it gives travelers.

With the increased volume of motorists, traffic is expected to be worse throughout the weekend around cities and other popular roadways. To avoid the bulk of traffic, travelers are being advised to avoid commuters by traveling early in the day and returning home during the weekend.

"Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. "Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary."

According to INRIX travel data, the best times to travel on Thursday will be before 11 a.m. to avoid lunch hour traffic or after 7 p.m. to avoid the rush of people leaving work. Similar advice is being given for Friday as well, with motorists encouraged to leave before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. to avoid commuters. On Saturday, motorists can sleep in a bit longer, as traffic is not expected to get to a "bad" point until 1 p.m. as local commuters enter the equation.

When returning home from vacations, motorists are encouraged to leave before 1 p.m. on Sunday to avoid the worst of traffic. On Monday, travelers hoping to avoid the larger swarm of cars may want to wait until the evening to travel, with INRIX suggesting the best time to travel will be at 7 p.m. that day.

Travelers traveling by air may notice some congestion in airports throughout the weekend as well, as an estimated 3.51 million travelers are planning to travel via airplane in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Ticket prices are averaging around 1% to 2% higher than last year, but there has been a 4.8% spike in travelers utilizing air travel for their plans this year. This year's air travel numbers are similar to those seen during 2005 and are a 9% increase from what was seen pre-pandemic.

Travel trends show more luxury and "bucket list" style trips planned, solo adventures on the rise

As the summer travel season gets kicked off, some interesting trends are already developing in this year's travel plans being crafted across the nation.

AAA Travel reports that there are more "bucket list" style vacations being planned this summer, with travelers using their budgets to plan once-in-a-lifetime trips. These can include a variety of styles, either being styled as a type of family reunion trip or luxury vacations for travelers seeking high-end destinations. Many travelers are also planning their own adventures, with women showing an increased interest in these types of trips.

Some new destinations are also making waves in the travel planning industry, with trips focused on Nature becoming more common. Some of these destinations include spots across Antarctica, Africa and the South Pacific region. For those seeking city views, Japan, New England, Canada and Europe are also popular destinations, with locations offering train travel being a big interest for perspective travelers.

For travel plans this Memorial Day, some of the top domestic locations are Orlando, Seattle, New York and Las Vegas. For those planning trips to other countries, some of the top cities planned for trips include Rome, Vancouver, London, Paris and Dublin.