Minnesotans Ready to Hit The Road for Summer Travel

Whatever you consider the start of summer, Minnesotans seem ready to get it going with big travel plans for Memorial Day. AAA Minnesota predicts the busiest holiday for travel in the last three years. Volume may come close to pre-pandemic levels.

"By the looks of this Memorial Day travel forecast, the summer travel season is off to a sizzling start," says Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA in a news release. "People are more comfortable traveling now than any other time in the past two years, and travel bookings are a reflection of that."

She adds, "Reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend are twice as strong as last year's holiday and that momentum will likely carry into the summer."

The prediction is for 39.2 million people to travel, most by car, up about three million people from 2021 or about eight percent.

AAA Minnesota indicates travelers may take a hit in the pocketbook. "AAA finds that the average lower airfare is 6% more than last year...Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 42%." Those renting cars may find rates down 16% compared with a year ago.

"Inflation, including high gas prices, are providing headwinds, but that hasn't slowed the desire for travel so far this year," said public affairs specialist with AAA Meredith Mitts. "Many may look at cost-cutting measures to offset expenses, such as driving shorter distances, staying in a less expensive hotel, camping, or cutting back on shopping, dining, and entertainment."

Thursday, May 26 may be the busiest day to travel by air, states AAA. Thursday and Friday will likely be busy on the roads.