Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will be heading 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period. Those are numbers that not only exceed pre-pandemic levels, but also come close to matching records that were recorded nearly two decades ago.
"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years. This is expected to be the second busiest Memorial Day weekend, coming close to 2005's record 44 million travelers nationwide," notes Brian Murray, AAA Western and Central New York's Director of Travel.
"More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier despite inflation. In fact, we're seeing travelers splurge on upgrades like suites, balconies, spa treatments, etc."
Travellers taking road trips are expected to break records according to AAA. 38.4 million people will travel by car over the weekend, the highest number for this particular holiday since AAA began tracking these numbers in 2000.
AAA say similar trends will ensue at the airport. They believe it will be busier this year than ever since 2005, a near 5% increase from last year at 3.51 million travelers.
"Combine that with local residents going to parades, picnics and beaches. This is going to be a busy weekend," Murray adds, who notes that busy cities like New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Seattle are amongst the most popular desinations.
Some people are even adding Buffalo and Niagara Falls to their New York itineraries this summer, according to Western and Central AAA's Elizabeth Carey, as many people like to not only follow the landmarks, but follow the food.
"Food and travel is so popular right now," said Carey. "So a lot of people look to come to festivals like the Taste of Buffalo, the Buffalo Chicken Wing festival, tie in Niagara Falls, tie in a visit maybe tie in a visit to New York City, maybe to Toronto. So those are some of the big trends as well this summer."
Carey also notes that 2024 is certainly a turning point for destination cities - including Buffalo, as travel numbers are starting to surpass the 2018, 2019 pre-pandemic years.
Murray notes that finding a last minute travel deal is hard to come by this year.
"If you want to save money, look to travel at off-peak times or pick hidden gems closer to home or opt for that all-inclusive vacation that has many on-site activities. AAA recommends two things, working with a travel agent and investing in travel insurance to protect your investment."
Gas prices in New York State are expected to be about the same as last year according to AAA, you can hear the full press conference and more in the player above.