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AAA Texas: Near-record 3.4 Million Texans Expected to Travel for the Memorial Day Holiday

Published  May 15, 2019 8:09am CDT
FOX 26 Houston

AAA Texas is out with its annual Memorial Day Travel Forecast, and it looks like a busy one!

A near-record 3.4 million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home for the long holiday weekend. The most was back in 2005 around 3.5 million in total Texas travel volume.

The vast majority of travelers will drive to their destination despite gas prices going up over the past few months. AAA Texas said that may be because gas prices are similar to this same time last year.

“Texans are avidly anticipating the start of summer travel season, and higher gas prices won’t keep them home this Memorial Day weekend,” said Kent Livesay, Vice President & General Manager, AAA Texas. “The Texas economy remains strong and many families continue to prioritize travel. A near-record number of them are looking forward to doing just that for Memorial Day.”

There is a big uptick in the number of those flying in Texas with an increase of more than 5 percent as a total of about 267,000 people will take to the air.

The worst day for driving overall for the Houston-area is expected to be on Sunday, May 26 around 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM, according to data provide to AAA Texas by INRIX.

 

By the numbers: 2019 Memorial Day holiday travel forecast

 

AAA Texas recommends drivers prepare their vehicles before hitting the road.

 

Across the country, AAA forecasts helping more than 350,000 drivers with more than 15,000 of those in Texas.                                                                                                                      

 

AAA recommends motorist take their vehicles to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out on a road trip.

 

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers.

 

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit, a London-based business information provider. For the purposes of this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.