Over 36 million plan Memorial Day vacations
Over 36 million Americans are expected to take a vacation during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
AAA Auto Club says around 36.1 million travelers will take to the roads, rail and air which could be the largest holiday weekend exodus since 2005.
Most people will drive to vacation spots, but a larger number are expected to fly, take a train or a cruise compared to a year ago, AAA said.
"Thoughts of historic cold are still fresh in the minds of Americans in many parts of the country, and the winter blues appear to have given Americans the travel bug," said AAA CEO Marshall Doney.
He cited the improving job market and a rise in disposable income as factors highlighted in an annual survey of travelers.
He said 31.8 million are expected to drive 50 miles or more, 2.6 million will travel by air, and around 1.7 million will take a cruise or go by train, which is a 6.5% increase compared to last year.
The auto club said travelers will also be paying more for their vacation this year.
Average hotel room rates are up by $3 to $169 per night and a round-trip plane ticket will cost $227, up from $215 a year ago.
Car rentals rates will average $44 a day during the weekend.
AAA predict this year will be the busiest since 2005 when 44 million people traveled during the holidays.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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