Memorial Day weekend: AAA predicts 741,000 Wisconsinites will travel

MILWAUKEE - Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years, building on a travel resurgence that began earlier this spring. AAA predicts nearly 741,000 Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend.  This, despite record high gas prices. 

"It's outrageous," said Jordan Steuerwald, gas consumer. "I guess I don't travel as much right now, and I'm more of a homebody because the gas prices are so high."

According to AAA, the average cost of a regular gallon of gasoline in Wisconsin is $4.32. In downtown Milwaukee, you can see as high as $1.69 a gallon. 

"It used to be if you wanted something you could just buy it because you could afford to do those type of things. Now with gas prices so high and inflation being so high, you really have to take a look at what you're buying and the amount of money that you have," said Steuerwald. 

If you're planning on driving this weekend, do it early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid heavy traffic and use Gas Buddy to shop fo the best gas prices. 

Travelers like Esther Lumague say the extra expense also hurts her wallet. 

"I can really feel the pain, especially with my car because I have to fill up my tank at least once a week," said Esther Lumague, Memorial Day weekend traveler. 

Nationally, more than 39.2 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend. The 8.3% increase from 2021 puts travel volumes in line with 2017 figures, according to AAA.

"By the looks of this Memorial Day travel forecast, the summer travel season is off to a sizzlin’ start," said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. "People are more comfortable traveling now than any other time in the past two years, and travel bookings are a reflection of that. Reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend are twice as strong as last year’s holiday and that momentum will likely carry into the summer."

Additionally, AAA will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road for Memorial Day weekend. The Auto Club Group is reactivating its Tow to Go program for the holiday period, providing safe transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles.

• Tow to Go is active from 6pm Friday, May 27th – 6am Tuesday, May 31st
• It’s available in selects states/locations (see below)
• Should be treated as a last resort

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Travel Prices

• Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6% more than last year coming in at $184/ticket with Saturday being the most expensive day to fly and Monday the least.
• Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 42%, with the average lowest nightly rates ranging between approximately $199 – $257/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
• Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have decreased 16% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $100/day.