Little Rock, Arkansas – As Memorial Day approaches, travel officials are anticipating a significant surge in travel across the Arkansas region. According to projections from AAA, more than 4.7 million people are expected to travel across the state and surrounding areas over the holiday weekend, which spans from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. This marks a major travel period for Arkansas residents and visitors alike, as many take advantage of the long weekend to head to destinations near and far.
Breaking down the numbers, AAA officials estimate that 4.1 million travelers in the west south central region, which includes Arkansas, will hit the roads, making car travel by far the most popular mode of transportation. Meanwhile, nearly 397,000 people will travel by air, and 227,000 will opt for other forms of travel, such as buses, trains, or cruises. These figures reflect the growing demand for travel as the Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer, drawing people away from their homes for vacations, family visits, and other recreational activities.
Nationally, the travel outlook is similarly high, with AAA forecasting a record 45.1 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. This surpasses the previous record of 44 million travelers set in 2005, signaling that more Americans are eager to travel than ever before. With many people benefiting from an extra day off work and students being on school break, the Memorial Day weekend presents an ideal opportunity for quick getaways, whether it’s a long road trip or a visit to loved ones.
“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.”
For those planning to travel by car, AAA has shared some advice on the best times to hit the road to avoid the heaviest traffic. On Thursday, May 22, traveling before noon is ideal, while Friday, May 23, sees the best time before 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24 travelers should aim to leave before noon, and Sunday, May 25, is best before 1 p.m. Finally, Monday, May 26, sees the lightest traffic before 2 p.m.
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With the Memorial Day weekend shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent years, it’s crucial to plan ahead and be prepared for potential delays. Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking another mode of transportation, following these tips could make for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
For more information on travel tips and updates, visit AAA’s website at AAA.com.
