Ohio Memorial Day travel sets the stage for soaring summer travel

COLUMBUS – The unofficial start to summer will be the busiest since 2019. AAA predicts 39.2 million people (nearly 1.5 million Ohioans) will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, May 26-31. This is an increase of 8.3% over 2021 (a 6.9% increase for Ohio) and brings volumes closer to pre-pandemic levels.

“Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what’s to come for summer travel,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Based on our projections, summer travel isn’t just heating up, it will be on fire. People are overdue for a vacation and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months.”

Holiday road trips remain popular

Despite historic gas prices, breaching the $4 mark in early March and Ohio’s average hitting record highs this month, 34.9 million Americans (nearly 1.4 million Ohioans) plan to travel by car. This is up 4.6% over last year nationally (4.1% in Ohio).

Travelers should expect busy roads this holiday weekend, particularly during the afternoons on Thursday, May 26, and Friday, May 27, according to INRIX. Drivers in major U.S. metros could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip.

Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel (source, INRIX):

• Thursday: Worst time, 1-8 p.m. Best time, before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Friday: Worst time, noon-7 p.m. Best time, before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Saturday: Worst time, 1-6 p.m. Best time, before 10 a.m.
• Sunday: Worst time, 1-4 p.m. Best time, before 10 a.m.
• Memorial Day: Worst time, 1-4 p.m. Best time, before 11 a.m.

AAA recommends drivers prepare for their holiday road trips by getting a full vehicle inspection. AAA expects to respond to more than 388,000 calls for help over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. To help avoid breakdowns, get key components checked like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Just in case, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked.