Don’t Make These Common Mistakes When Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend

If Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer travel, this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, especially if you’re opting for a gold old fashioned road trip. According to the latest forecast from AAA , an estimated 45 million Americans are expected to travel over the long weekend, with the vast majority going by car. That doesn’t mean you have to stay home in fear of packed highways, airport congestion, and rising costs on everything from hotels to rental cars. It just takes a few strategic moves to make the journey more maneuverable (and pleasant.) Whether you’re road-tripping up the California coast, heading to the mountains, or making a long weekend escape to the high desert, here’s what you should know before you leave.

Leave Earlier Than You Think

According to AAA and transportation analytics company INRIX, roughly 39.1 million drivers are expected to his the road during the long weekend. The heaviest congestion times is expected to be Thursday and Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with Monday afternoon shaping up to be another major bottleneck for return traffic. Travelers leaving Friday are advised to depart before 11 a.m., while Monday return trips are best started before 2 p.m. Sunday is expected to be the lightest traffic day of the long weekend.

For road trips, experts also recommend building extra flexibility into your schedule. Summer construction projects, weather delays, and increased roadside assistance calls can all add unexpected time to your drive. Last Memorial Day weekend alone, AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance incidents involving dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and empty gas tanks. So be sure to get all your vitals checked before you hit the road.

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Expect Airports to Be Crowded

Even if you’re not driving, Memorial Day travel can feel hectic. AAA says air travel demand continues to climb despite the high cost of jet fuel, and travelers should prepare for longer lines at security checkpoints and packed terminals throughout the weekend.

One of the smartest things travelers can do is check in early, download airline apps, and monitor flights in real time for gate changes or delays. Travel experts also recommend avoiding checked luggage when possible and keeping essentials—medications, chargers, and a change of clothes—in your carry-on.

Rental Cars Book Up Fast

If your trip requires a rental car, waiting until the last minute can get expensive quickly. Industry experts recommend reserving vehicles as early as possible for summer weekends, especially in high-demand destinations like national parks, beach towns, and mountain resort areas.

Travelers can also save money by picking up rentals at neighborhood locations instead of airports, where fees and taxes are often significantly higher. Flexible pickup times and midweek rentals may also unlock better pricing. (You can check out more of our rental car deal hacks here.)

Don’t Assume Gas Prices Will Stay Stable

Gas prices have been less volatile than in recent summers, but experts say demand spikes around holiday weekends can still cause temporary jumps in some destinations. Apps like GasBuddy and AAA’s fuel tracker can help travelers compare prices before filling up.

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National Parks and Beach Towns Will Be Packed

Many of the West’s most popular outdoor destinations—including national parks, lake towns, and coastal escapes—are expected to see heavy crowds this summer. Travelers heading to popular vacation destinations like Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, or Santa Cruz should expect limited parking, reservation systems, and peak-hour congestion. National parks will be especially chaotic given the reservations systems have been paused.

Experts recommend arriving at trailheads and beaches early in the morning and booking accommodations well ahead of time. In some destinations, shuttle systems or timed-entry reservations are still in effect.

Build in More Time—and More Patience

Perhaps the biggest travel tip this coming holiday weekend: expect things to move a little slower. From crowded highways to longer restaurant waits and delayed flights, peak-season travel comes with more unpredictability. Keep your cool, plan ahead, and remember summer break is supposed to be fun.