Jonesboro, Arkansas – Millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and despite higher gas prices compared to recent years, travel plans are moving forward at full speed. Airports, highways, and vacation spots across the country are expected to see heavy traffic as families take advantage of the long weekend.
AAA is forecasting that around 45 million Americans will travel for Memorial Day this year, marking one of the busiest holiday travel periods in recent history. Of that total, about 39.1 million people are expected to travel by car, making road trips the dominant form of transportation once again. Another 2.2 million travelers are expected to fly, while roughly the same number will use other transportation methods such as buses or trains.
Even with fuel costs still a concern for many households, experts say gas prices are not stopping the surge in travel demand. AAA spokesperson Carly McKinnis pointed out that Americans have continued to travel even during periods of significantly higher fuel costs in the past, including 2022 when national prices reached historic highs.
“They might not go to the expensive amusement park, but they will still go camping. They might take a shorter trip. They might brown bag it instead of stopping at a restaurant,” said McKinnis. “They’re cutting back in other ways, but they want to have those experiences. They want to spend time with friends and family. And they’re not willing to sacrifice that no matter how much gas prices go up.”
Her comments reflect a broader trend AAA has observed, where travelers adjust their budgets rather than canceling trips altogether. Instead of skipping travel, many families are choosing cheaper destinations, shorter routes, or fewer paid activities along the way.
In Arkansas, gas prices remain relatively favorable compared to national levels. AAA reports that Jonesboro ranks as the fourth cheapest metro area in the state for fuel, trailing only Hot Springs, Fort Smith, and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers region. Overall, Arkansas continues to maintain gas prices below the national average, offering some relief to drivers heading out of town.
Still, AAA encourages travelers to plan smartly when it comes to fuel costs. Tools like TripTik, available on AAA’s website, allow users to map out routes and identify lower-priced gas stations along the way. The system can help drivers adjust their travel paths in real time based on price differences.
“You can put in where you start, where you end, or you can just like look at a map and it will show you where gas prices are cheapest along your route,” McKinnis said. “So, you can be like, I’m going to turn this way. Oh, there’s a cheaper gas station. And you can kind of plan your route around that.”
However, McKinnis also cautioned against overplanning too far ahead, since gas prices can change quickly. She suggested that having a passenger monitor prices during the trip can help travelers make more flexible decisions while on the road.
Beyond route planning, AAA also highlights simple steps drivers can take to improve fuel efficiency. Packing light is one of the easiest adjustments, as reducing vehicle weight can lead to better mileage over long distances. Proper vehicle maintenance also plays a role, especially keeping tires properly inflated, which can significantly improve fuel performance.
Even with economic concerns in the background, the strong travel outlook for Memorial Day suggests that Americans remain committed to taking time off and spending it with family and friends. For many, the holiday is less about the cost of the journey and more about the experience waiting at the end of it.
