Want to dodge Memorial Day crowds? You may want to avoid these destinations

Get tips on flying and driving for the busy weekend.

by Jeremy Tanner | May. 23, 2024

Story at a glance

This holiday weekend AAA expects some 43.8 million people to travel at least 50 miles away from home.

That’s second only to 2005’s record 44 million who hit the roads, open ocean, rails and skies.

“While families are looking to have some fun on the beaches of Florida, couples still want to enjoy the thrill of Las Vegas or glamour of Los Angeles.”

(NEXSTAR) – If you’re considering a last-minute getaway during the Memorial Day weekend to relax away from crowds, there are a few cities you may want to leave for another trip.

This holiday weekend AAA expects some 43.8 million people to travel at least 50 miles away from home, a number that would be second only to 2005’s record 44 million who hit the roads, open ocean, rails and skies.

Travel booking site Skyscanner says short-duration trips were the largest segment, with 42% of trips lasting a week or less.

“Our top searched destinations for Memorial Day weekend are the same as they have been in previous years, with traditional favorites holding onto the lion’s share of searches and bookings,” Laura Lindsay, travel trends and destinations expert at Skyscanner, told Nexstar. “While families are looking to have some fun on the beaches of Florida, couples still want to enjoy the thrill of Las Vegas or glamour of Los Angeles.”

According to the site’s Memorial Day weekend bookings made over the last 12 months, these were the top 15 destinations:

Las Vegas
New York
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Miami
Orlando
Honolulu
Chicago
Seattle
San Diego
Phoenix
Washington D.C.
Denver
Nashville
Dallas

For those traveling internationally, London is the most popular booked destination, followed by Tokyo.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it is already bracing for Memorial Day to kick off what it expects to be the busiest summer travel season in almost 15 years.

If you already have tickets or are considering buying them, the biggest flight surge – 53,515 flights – is expected on Thursday, May 23, according to the FAA.

As always, weather is the biggest threat to a smooth itinerary, and the National Weather Service is already forecasting an “enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms from Central Nebraska into Northern Kansas” and east toward the Missouri River. Dallas, Memphis, Fort Worth, Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Missouri, will be at a slight risk of severe thunderstorms.

The FAA encourages anyone flying for the holiday to check the Air Traffic Report and Weather Squad travel outlook video posted daily to the FAA X account.

For those planning on driving, here are the best times to avoid traffic nightmares:

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

AAA recommends making sure your car has any needed repairs taken care of, packing the night before and figuring out what route you are taking beforehand.

Travelers can call 511 for up-to-date travel information.