AAA reports that 87% of traveling Americans expect to drive to their destinations this Memorial Day weekend.

Gas prices are a significant factor in this surge. The national average for regular gasoline is projected to be $3.08 per gallon over the weekend, the lowest for Memorial Day since 2021.

This decrease is providing relief to travelers and encouraging more road trips.

Traveler Jacob Peper lives near Ocala and spends summers in Wyoming at his second home.

While gas prices haven’t affected his travel, he says the broader economy has him thinking about the future—especially for his kids.

“So many families right now were having to live with each other just to make ends meet and it’s hard and most of us like middle-income folks, our wealth is in our homes,” Peper said.

AAA surveys show that while many travelers are eager to get away, there’s a shift toward shorter, more budget-friendly trips.

Russell and Janeth Bondurant from Pensacola are spending the weekend in Jacksonville for a graduation, jazz festival, and some beach time.
They say being retired means they travel at their own pace—and gas prices don’t factor much into their plans.

“I just look at what might be the cheapest and I try to stop there. But I’m not concerned about it slowing me down to do anything so we still go,” Russell and Janeth said.

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