A record number of travelers are expected to kick off the summer season with a getaway over Memorial Day weekend, and Orlando is leading the way as the top domestic destination, according to AAA’s 2025 travel forecast.
AAA projects that 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26, surpassing the previous Memorial Day travel record set in 2005. This year’s figures reflect an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to 2024, signaling continued confidence in travel despite economic concerns.
While some vacationers are jetting off to far-flung locales, many are opting for regional road trips and budget-conscious travel. Orlando’s blend of world-renowned theme parks, family attractions, and proximity to Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals makes it an ideal Memorial Day destination for a wide range of travelers.
Majority Choose the Open Road, Favoring Affordable Getaways
Road travel remains the top choice, with 39.4 million travelers—or 87% of all Memorial Day travelers—expected to drive to their destinations. This marks an increase of 1 million drivers from last year.
Lower gas prices are contributing to the uptick. Nationally, fuel prices have remained relatively stable thanks to subdued crude oil prices, helping to ease the financial burden of summer travel. Last year, gas averaged $3.59 per gallon during Memorial Day weekend; this year, many drivers are seeing lower prices at the pump.
For those renting vehicles, Orlando is among the cities with the highest demand, alongside Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle. SUVs continue to be a popular choice for road-tripping families.
Airports Prepare for Busy Holiday Weekend
AAA forecasts 3.61 million air travelers—a nearly 2% increase from last year. While not quite matching the all-time air travel record from 2005, this year’s numbers are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%.
Domestic flights are averaging around $850 roundtrip, about 2% higher than last year. Orlando ranks among the top five air travel destinations in the U.S., reflecting its continued popularity for both families and cruise travelers heading to nearby Port Canaveral.
Travel by Bus, Train, and Cruise Also on the Rise
Alternative transportation methods are seeing increased traction, with 2.08 million Americans traveling by bus, train, or cruise—a boost of 8.5% over 2024.
Cruising, in particular, is booming. Demand for Alaska cruises is high, with AAA noting strong interest in domestic cruise ports such as Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks. Closer to home, Port Canaveral—just a short drive from Orlando—remains one of the busiest cruise hubs in the nation.
Best and Worst Times to Drive from Orlando
For travelers departing Orlando, the I-4 corridor to Tampa is expected to be congested on Sunday, May 25 around 11:00 AM, with traffic times increasing by 64%, according to data from INRIX.
To avoid gridlock, drivers are advised to hit the road during morning hours throughout the holiday weekend. For example:
Thursday, May 22: Leave before 12:00 PM
Friday, May 23: Travel before 11:00 AM
Memorial Day (Monday, May 26): Best to depart before 2:00 PM
AAA Travel Tips: How to Save This Memorial Day Weekend
AAA is offering practical advice for cost-conscious travelers:
Fuel Savings
Use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator to estimate road trip expenses.
Consider driving a few miles off the interstate to find lower gas prices.
Maintain fuel-efficient speeds—driving 5–10 mph slower can improve fuel economy by up to 14%.
Airfare Strategies
Flying on Tuesdays or returning on Wednesdays tends to yield better fares.
Basic economy tickets can offer savings for travelers with minimal needs.
Book airport parking in advance to avoid premium rates.
Hotels and Rental Cars
Book early—hotels and rentals near major attractions fill up fast.
Consider accommodations slightly outside tourist hubs or near public transportation.
Opt for smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles if space isn’t a concern.
Top Memorial Day Destinations: Orlando Leads the Nation
AAA’s booking data places Orlando as the #1 domestic destination for Memorial Day 2025. Other cities rounding out the list include:
Seattle, WA
New York, NY
Las Vegas, NV
Miami, FL
Internationally, cities like Rome, Paris, and London continue to draw American travelers, but for many, staying stateside remains appealing—especially with Orlando offering both entertainment and accessibility.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and early indicators suggest a strong travel season ahead. With Orlando leading the list of top destinations and affordable travel options still available, Central Florida stands poised for a busy holiday weekend.