Record Number of North Carolinians Expected to Travel for Memorial Day Weekend

NORTH CAROLINA — AAA is forecasting a record-breaking Memorial Day travel weekend across North Carolina as more than 1.3 million residents are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home.

The five-day holiday travel period begins Thursday and continues through Memorial Day Monday. According to AAA, the majority of travelers in North Carolina will be hitting the road, with approximately 1.17 million people expected to travel by car.

Another 116,000 North Carolinians are projected to fly during the holiday weekend, while more than 29,000 are expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise ship.

Nationally, AAA says nearly 45 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend, making it the busiest Memorial Day travel period on record.

AAA spokesperson Tiffany Wright said while travel numbers continue to rise, the increase compared to last year is the smallest seen in more than a decade. Officials say higher gas prices and inflation may cause some families to shorten trips or stay closer to home this year.

The average price for gasoline in North Carolina is currently around $4.19 per gallon, significantly higher than the approximately $2.85 drivers were paying during Memorial Day weekend last year.

AAA is warning motorists to prepare for the heaviest traffic congestion during the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday and Friday, as well as Monday afternoon as travelers return home.

The organization also reminds drivers to ensure their vehicles are road-ready before heading out. AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, including roughly 8,000 calls in North Carolina alone.