After two months of lockdowns, people are eager to take a vacation, but most will skip out on the Memorial Day getaway and instead travel later this summer or fall, according to the American Automobile Association.
While the last Monday in May historically marks the start of summer, and the three-day weekend is a popular date for a long weekend trip, fewer U.S. residents than ever before are expected to leave their homes and commence the start of the summer travel season.
“With social distancing guidelines still in practice, this holiday weekend’s travel volume is likely to set a record low,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.
Over the 2019 Memorial Day weekend, 43 million people went on vacation, the second-highest number since 2000. AAA did not make a prediction for this year, but it expects the number to fall well below the standing record low of 31 million travelers in 2009, which was amid the recession.
Roughly half of the states are reopening their economies, while other parts of the country, including New York City and Washington, remain on stay-at-home orders through the holiday on May 25. AAA, which represents 60 million motor club members, said people are fearful about traveling next weekend, but they are actively making plans for the coming months after two months of being locked down.
“When it is safe to travel, vacationers will explore America’s backyard. In fact, AAA expects to make travel projections for the late summer and fall, assuming states ease travel restrictions and businesses reopen,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s manager of public and government affairs. “Already, there are indications that Americans’ wanderlust is inspiring them to plan future vacations.”
The nonprofit group reported an increase in online travel bookings since mid-April, an indication the public is becoming more comfortable with the idea of leaving their homes and seeing new places. However, AAA expects people to stick to local and regional locations rather than jet-setting outside the country. Tourists are also more likely to go on road trips than fly to their destinations.
