Community Corner

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected to Increase from Last Year — Do You Plan to Get Away?

The average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be significantly less than last year's average travel distance.

The Memorial Day travel period begins Thursday and ends Monday, May 28, and AAA projects more American will travel this year compared to last. 

An estimated 34.8 million Americans — a projected 874,442 Georgians — will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent, or 500,000 travelers, from the 34.3 million people who traveled a year ago.

Do you plan to travel more than 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day weekend? Tell us in comments. 

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While more people are expected to travel, the average distance traveled is expected to be 642 miles, 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles. According to AAA, high gas prices are squeezing consumers’ spending power this spring and consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances this holiday weekend. 

AAA reports a survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans.

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Of the remaining 47 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, 9 percent are planning to take a shorter trip, 4 percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent plan to economize in other areas. 

Of those who intend to economize in other areas, 65 percent intent to reduce spending on entertainment, 34 percent plan to stay at a lower priced hotel, 31 percent will stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room and 27 percent intend to stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities, such as free breakfast and Internet. 

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