Memorial Day Travel 2026: Record Numbers Hit the Road Despite Higher Costs

Millions of Americans are packing bags and heading out for the Memorial Day holiday despite higher gas prices and expensive airfare. New travel estimates show this could become the busiest Memorial Day travel period ever.Travel experts expect about 45 million people to travel during the Memorial Day holiday window. Around 39 million plan to drive while more than 3 million travelers will fly to destinations across the country.Gas prices continue to strain budgets. National averages sit above $4 per gallon. Airfare costs remain elevated too. Still, Americans appear willing to spend more to kick off summer vacation season.