Memorial Day Weekend to See Record Travel as Summer Kicks Off

Sales Forecast and Travel Trends

SALT LAKE CITY — Memorial Day weekend is traditionally regarded as the unofficial kick-off to summer travel, and this year is poised to be particularly bustling across the country, including in Utah. According to the latest forecasts, over 45 million Americans are anticipated to journey at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, surpassing the previous record of 44 million set in 2005. This marks an increase of approximately 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, reflecting a 3% rise in travel.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that while many Americans plan to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, they are likely to remain close to home due to rising travel costs. However, a notable decrease in the national average cost of gasoline, which has dropped over 40 cents per gallon compared to last year, is expected to contribute to an increase of 1.2 million travelers opting for road trips.

"Lots of our members are booking regional getaways and old-fashioned road trips," said Cyndi Zesk, senior vice president of travel for AAA Mountain West Group.

Impacts on Utah Roads

Though Utah is not listed among the heaviest travel states by AAA, officials from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) advise that travel congestion could lead to significant delays on local roads throughout the holiday weekend. Areas across southwest Utah, specifically around national parks, are particularly susceptible to increased traffic.

• Zion National Park: Delays of 10-15 minutes are expected for travelers from St. George and Cedar City on Saturday and Sunday, with visitor numbers projected to echo last year’s record of over 92,000.
• Memorial Day Impacts: On Memorial Day itself, drivers can anticipate delays of up to 55 minutes on the westbound U.S. 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, a delay of up to 25 minutes may occur on northbound I-15 in Nephi from noon to 9 p.m.
• Construction Update: To mitigate traffic during the holiday, UDOT will suspend active roadway projects, but some lane restrictions may be maintained.

Gas Prices and Travel Information

As travelers gear up for the weekend, gas prices in Utah remain above the national average yet lower than one year ago. Currently, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.31 in the Beehive State, approximately 13 cents above the national average. Analysts note that while prices have risen slightly since last month, this figure is still down 37 cents compared to late May 2024.

In addition, Utah boasts some of the most budget-friendly charging rates for electric vehicles nationwide. At over 800 charging stations, the average cost is $0.30 per kilowatt-hour, which is significantly lower than the national average.

National Travel Insights

Nationwide, the trend indicates that travel for this year’s Memorial Day weekend is on track to break records, with expectations of 45.1 million travelers—39.4 million of whom will travel by car. The surge in travelers is complemented by notably lower gas prices compared to previous years.

In states like Massachusetts, state transportation departments have prepared for anticipatory traffic increases, with drivers advised to expect significant congestion, especially on Friday—the busiest day for road travel. Traffic conditions will be challenging during peak hours across the weekend, but patterns indicate that early morning travel will help to avoid packed roads.

"As we approach the unofficial beginning of summer, we historically see increased travel volumes leading up to Memorial Day weekend," noted Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, possibly utilizing travel apps for real-time updates on road conditions and alternative routes.

Conclusion

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, a record number of Americans seem eager to hit the road, even in the face of economic concerns. Many are adjusting their travel plans rather than scrapping them altogether, demonstrating an enduring appetite for travel and recreation as summer begins. This weekend is a prime opportunity for families and friends to reconnect, embarking on adventures throughout the nation’s highways and parks.