37 Million Americans Set To Travel This Holiday Weekend

Sorry, this video is no longer available

It’s set to be the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend in a decade.

“We notice with the holiday weekend that a lot more people are coming through, a lot more families are coming through,” said Zach Autio, manager at the London Road Car Wash & Lube Center. 

AAA predicts some 37 million Americans will hit the road this weekend, traveling at least 50 miles from home.

That’s two million more than last year.

But at what price?

“A couple of days ago it was six, seven cents cheaper, and it’s gone up to about $2.50/gallon now,” Autio explained.

Darrell Eckenberg, campground manager at Buffalo Valley Campground, says the increase in gas prices won’t stop campers from spending the weekend in the wilderness.

“If they want to go camping, they’re going to go. They might just not be taking the long trips, shortening it up and looking for different areas to go to,” Eckenberg said.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial summer kickoff, which also means the start of camping season.

“We’re going to have a full house with the campers and the tenters, now they’ve seen that the weather’s going to be nice,” Eckenberg explained.

Campsites around the Northland are expecting their largest crowds yet.

“I’d say there’s probably going to be about 400, 450 people,” said Eckenberg.

And, what’s Memorial Day Weekend without some good eats? Travelers are coming prepared with holiday classics – hot dogs for grilling, and s’mores for roasting.

“We’re away from all the hustle and bustle,” explained Eckenberg.

While the roads may be jam packed, camping will offer travelers a chance to escape, and spend this memorable weekend enjoying the company of friends and family.

Some good news for holiday travelers, according to AAA, gas prices are down nearly a dollar from a year ago.

In fact, Memorial Day weekend drivers are expected to pay the lowest price for gas since 2009.