GRAPEVINE, Texas — Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and officials nationwide are urging drivers to stay safe on the roads this year.
AAA estimates that a record 45.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the holiday, an estimated 1.4 million more than in 2024. It would break a 20-year-old record; of those traveling, about 39 million will likely drive, roughly 1 million more than last year.
“People are still feeling pretty good about travel,” the Associated Press quoted AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz as saying.
As more people are expected to take to the roads, officials nationwide are urging motorists to maintain their vigilance.
“As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who gave their lives in support of freedom, let’s not forget that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibly,” Col. Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said in a statement. “Wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired. The decisions you make could save a life.”
In Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials are preparing for a busy holiday weekend. Officials expect 2.6 million passengers to pass through the world’s busiest airport during the next week.
“Two of the three busiest days occurred during last year’s Memorial Day weekend,” WSB-TV quoted TSA Georgia Deputy Federal Security Director Lalit Lal as saying. “With similar volumes expected this weekend we’re working hard to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all passengers.”
For anyone looking for a destination to explore, consider these four destinations for a getaway.
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas: The sprawling metroplex is home to a diverse mix of attractions and small towns worth exploring. Don’t forget the food, whether it’s Tex-Mex or barbeque.
Rapid City/Black Hills, South Dakota: There may be no better way to celebrate America than at Mount Rushmore. But Rapid City and the Black Hills are home to many more surprises, whether the 1880 Train between Hill City and Keystone or the City of Presidents statue display across the city.
Tulsa, Oklahoma: T-Town is a sleeper destination, but it’s chock-full of surprises. Whether it’s the Woody Guthrie Center, the Bob Dylan Center or one of its many picturesque roadside oddities, Tulsa won’t disappoint.
Boston, Massachusetts: Whether exploring the nation’s revolutionary past or catching a ballgame at the historic Fenway Park, Bean Town’s history runs deep. Don’t forget about its culinary surprises; don’t miss the chance to explore the North End for a different part of the city and exceptional eating.
Charleston, South Carolina: When it comes to honoring the meaning of Memorial Day, Charleston has travelers covered on two fronts. A trip to Fort Sumter, the site of the Civil War’s first shots, allows visitors to reflect on the human cost of the war that many fought to keep the country together. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier allows visitors to explore more recent military history and the Medal of Honor Society on Yorktown’s hangar deck.
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