Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Travelers heading out for Memorial Day weekend should brace for longer waits on the road and at airport checkpoints. AAA forecasts that approximately forty-five point one million Americans—among them around two hundred seventy-four thousand from Idaho—are set to embark on holiday getaways, marking a new all-time high for Memorial Day travel volume.

If you’re planning to drive during Memorial Day weekend, strategic timing will be crucial to avoid peak congestion. The smoothest times to hit the road are expected to be Thursday, May twenty-second before midday and Memorial Day itself before two in the afternoon. In contrast, drivers are advised to steer clear of the roads on Thursday and Friday afternoons leading into the holiday, as well as between four and seven in the evening on Memorial Day, when traffic volume is predicted to surge. In short, afternoon hours are best avoided if you want a quicker ride.

This year, nearly eighty-seven percent of all Memorial Day travelers will be driving, with approximately thirty-nine point four million people across the United States embarking on road trips—a new milestone in Memorial Day car travel. That figure represents one million more road travelers than in the same period last year. Air travel is also seeing a modest uptick of two percent, while other transport options like buses, trains, and cruises are experiencing a more substantial eight point five percent rise compared to the previous year.

Idaho residents are joining the travel rush with some of the most sought-after destinations spanning coast to coast. Popular domestic hotspots include:

For those setting their sights overseas, top international picks among Idahoans and other travelers are:

While more Americans are traveling, they’re also paying slightly more for certain elements of their trips:

With millions taking to the highways, AAA anticipates responding to about three hundred sixty thousand vehicle breakdowns nationwide throughout the holiday weekend. In Idaho alone, as many as seven hundred roadside incidents are expected. To reduce the risk of unexpected car trouble, motorists are encouraged to get their vehicles professionally checked before departure. Those looking for trusted service providers can locate AAA-Approved Auto Repair shops at .

As the summer travel season officially begins, proper planning and flexibility can go a long way in ensuring a smoother journey—whether by road, air, or sea.

Make your Memorial Day getaway smoother and more cost-efficient with these expert travel tips designed to keep you on budget and on time:

By following these practical travel strategies, you can reduce stress, trim expenses, and make the most of your Memorial Day vacation—no matter where the road or skies take you.