With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, nearly 44 million Americans are gearing up for a getaway, with many looking to head to a beach or coastline to kick off the summer season, according to a report from Airbnb. The platform’s data revealed that while major cities like Chicago, Destin, and San Diego are among the most searched-for destinations for the holiday weekend, consumers are largely opting for beach and coastal locations to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Searches for domestic Memorial Day travel on Airbnb have increased by over 10% year-over-year, highlighting the growing interest in travel as pandemic restrictions continue to ease.
When it comes to Memorial Day weekend accommodations, Airbnb users are searching for properties with amazing pools, beaches, views, lakes, cabins, countryside, surfing, national parks, golfing, and iconic cities. The top destinations include cities like Chicago, Destin, San Diego, and Charleston, with beaches like Panama City Beach and Myrtle Beach also making the list. With 43.8 million Americans predicted to travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend, Memorial Day could see a near-record number of travelers, just behind the record-breaking total in 2005. This year, 38.4 million Americans are expected to travel by car, a 4% increase from 2023.
Memorial Day weekend is historically one of the busiest travel times for Americans, with the Friday before Memorial Day often being the eighth-busiest day for air travel in recent years. Interest in international travel is also on the rise, with a 250% increase in bookings for European cities like Rome, Paris, London, Dublin, Barcelona, and Athens compared to 2022. AAA booking data from 2023 showed that Las Vegas, New York City, and Orlando were the most popular destinations for the holiday weekend, indicating a variety of travel preferences among Americans. Gas prices are expected to drop for the holiday weekend, with averages currently standing at $3.59 per gallon and the possibility of prices dropping to around $2.99 per gallon by July 4, especially in the South and Great Plains regions.
As Americans prepare to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, many are looking forward to a much-needed getaway after a challenging year. With travel restrictions easing and vaccination rates rising, more people are feeling confident about traveling again and are considering a variety of destinations for their holiday celebrations. Whether it’s a beachfront retreat in Destin or a city break in Chicago, Americans are ready to kick off the summer season in style and make the most of the long weekend. As gas prices drop and travel options increase, Memorial Day weekend promises to be a busy and exciting time for travelers across the country.
