Auto Club Projects Record Numbers Of Southern Californians Will Travel Over Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day 2025 soundbites in English from Auto Club Spokesperson Gianella Ghiglino

Memorial Day 2025 soundbites in Spanish from Auto Club Spokesperson Anlleyn Venegas

The Automobile Club of Southern California expects a record 3.6 million people will travel over the Memorial Day holiday period between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26, a 3.6% increase from 2024 and the third straight year of record-breaking travel for this holiday locally.

Nationwide, AAA projects 45.1 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend, a 3.1% increase from 2024 and a new national record for this holiday period, beating the previous record of 44 million set in 2005.

"Consumers continue to prioritize travel with family and friends after the pandemic," said Jena Miller, the Auto Club's vice president of travel products. "This year, they will get some price relief at the gas pump, car rental counter, and when flying internationally, but they will spend more on domestic flights, hotels, cruises and tours compared to 2024."

Memorial Day Travel Volumes by Modes of Transportation

Best/Worst Times to Drive

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons and evenings of Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23 to be the busiest times to travel. Locally, the busiest stretch of freeway is expected to be I-5 North from Los Angeles to Bakersfield on the afternoon and evening of Friday, May 23, when the travel time will increase by 83% over the normal 90 minutes to nearly three hours. INRIX projections indicate the best times to travel by car are on Thursday before noon, Friday before 11 a.m., Saturday before noon, Sunday before 1 p.m., and Monday before 2 p.m.

Top Destinations this Memorial Day Weekend

AAA booking data for the Memorial Day weekend shows that nationally, the top five destinations are Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami. Internationally, the top destinations for U.S. travelers are Rome, Vancouver, Pairs, London and Athens.

Top local destinations for Southern Californians will be Las Vegas, San Diego, the Central Coast and nearby national parks such as the Grand Canyon.

Auto Club Offers Travel Tips this Memorial Day and Beyond

• Keep in mind that you will be required to bring a REAL ID to board a domestic flight as of this month. If you do not have a REAL ID version of your driver's license, a current passport is also a form of REAL ID.
• Inspect vehicle tires, battery, and fluid levels before a long road trip. Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 378,000 stranded drivers at the roadside, including more than 95,000 in California.
• Pack food, water, an emergency kit, first-aid kit, and mobile phone charger in case you break down.
• Reserve airport parking ahead of time to save you time on departure day.
• Get to airports at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Clear to speed up the security process.
• Download your airline's app and use FlightAware to track your aircraft the day of departure.
• Avoid checking a bag, if possible. Carry-on luggage allows you to be more flexible in the event of a delay or cancellation.
• Book summer travel now. High demand and reduced schedules will mean fewer options.
• Work with a trusted Auto Club travel advisor who can save you money and assist in rebooking should you need to.
• Consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

AAA's Ways to Save When Traveling

Gas: Even with gas prices lower than last Memorial Day weekend, drivers are looking to save at the pump.

• Start by peeking at current prices on the AAA fuel site and use the AAA gas cost calculator to get an idea of how much your road trip will cost.
• Once you hit the road, keep in mind the gas stations right off the interstate are usually the most expensive. If you're looking to save money, drive a little bit farther down the road for cheaper gas. AAA members receive stackable discounts on gas through the Fuel Rewards® program at participating Shell stations.
• After you fill up, avoid speeding. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.

Flights: Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare.

• Booking flights that depart on Tuesdays or return on Wednesdays will save you money, since weekends flights tend to be more expensive.
• If you're not picky about selecting a seat ahead of time or boarding at the end, basic economy can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers, just read the fine print when it comes to restrictions.

Hotels and Rental Cars: Where you will stay and how you will get around are two decisions you shouldn't put off until the last minute. Reserve hotels and rental cars as soon as you know your trip dates.

• Hotels in prime locations and tourist areas tend to be more expensive than hotels a bit removed from the action. In major cities, look for hotels within walking distance to public transit to save money on transportation. When choosing hotels, look for AAA hotel partners that offer discounts and deals.
• Reserving a rental car early guarantees you'll get what you want. To save money, consider the type of vehicle you want versus what you actually need! If you're traveling with a small group and don't need a ton of room, smaller vehicles tend to be more economical and fuel-efficient. For extra savings, AAA members get exclusive benefits when booking through Hertz.

About AAA

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America's

largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services - all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.