Travel tips for the busy Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day is quickly approaching. Set for Monday, May 27, this holiday is considered the unofficial kickoff for Summer travel. Well, 2024 is expected to be a busy season, and according to multiple outlets, it will be one of the busiest on record. If you’re looking to get away but avoid the issues that come with a popular travel time, here are some tips to help you get away and not get frustrated at the same time.

A road trip is a suitable alternative to hopping on a flight. Airline tickets can be expensive, and packing up the car, filling up the tank, and hitting the road can help save money. However, everyone knows the feeling of getting trapped in traffic, and that situation is worse when it cuts into the holiday season.

If you’re planning a road trip for a long weekend, do yourself a favor by planning to leave either early in the morning or later in the evening. If you can get out of the office and on the road on Thursday, do that before 7 a.m. If you’re leaving on the weekend, you can either try to leave early Friday morning or start driving after 8 p.m. Taking these hours to heart will help you avoid the pain of sitting in traffic, which also hits your pockets as that drains gas from the tank.

The same could be said for your return trip. If you can leave on Tuesday, that will be a big step in avoiding traffic. But if you must drive back on Monday, leave after rush hour, with your best bet being after 7 p.m.

What about those travelers who are hitting the airport for either an international or domestic flight? Well, there are tips for them as well to avoid crowded areas. Some of the most crowded domestic destinations include Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, and Orlando. If you’re going overseas, avoid Rome, Vancouver, London, and Paris. These destinations are expected to be packed with tourists and that can throw off the entire vibe of your trip.

Instead, check out some other destinations that may be less popular, but equally enjoyable. For example, Phoenix Arizona, Washington D.C., Cartegena, Colombia, or San Pedro, Belize. This is a mix of both local and international destinations that would be great for a couple, family, or solo trip.

Memorial Day Weekend is less than two weeks away. Summer travel season is upon us and there are several destinations in the country and around the world worth a visit. But take heed to these tips if you’re looking to avoid the frustration of traffic or crowded cities packed with tourists.