Tips to save as record amount of people traveling during Memorial Day according to AAA

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from AAA East Central, AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period. This period goes from May 22nd to May 26th and 1.4 million more people are expected to be traveling than last year. This is also a record for the most people traveling in that span. According to a release from AAA, here are some tips to save for traveling during those days:

AAA’s Ways to Save When Traveling

Gas: Even with gas prices lower than last Memorial Day weekend, drivers are looking to save at the pump.

  • Start by peeking at current prices on the AAA fuel site and use the AAA gas cost calculator to get an idea of how much your road trip will cost.
  • Once on the road, remember that the gas stations right off the interstate are usually the most expensive. If trying to save money, drive a bit farther down the road for cheaper gas. AAA members receive stackable discounts on gas through the Fuel Rewards® program at participating Shell stations.
  • After filling up, avoid speeding. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.

Flights: Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare.

  • Booking flights that depart on Tuesdays or return on Wednesdays will save money, since weekend flights tend to be more expensive.
  • If not picky about selecting a seat ahead of time or boarding at the end, basic economy can be an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Be sure to read the fine print regarding restrictions.
  • Reserving airport parking in advance can save money. AAA members receive a discount at The Parking Spot.
  • To save money on meals, bring something from home. Just remember beverages are not allowed through TSA security.

Hotels and Rental Cars: Where to stay and how to get around are two decisions that should not be put off until the last minute. Reserve hotels and rental cars as soon as travel dates are confirmed.

  • Hotels in prime locations and tourist areas tend to be more expensive than hotels a bit removed from the action. In major cities, consider hotels within walking distance of public transit to save money on transportation. When choosing hotels, look for AAA hotel partners that offer discounts and deals.
  • Reserving a rental car early guarantees a better selection of vehicles. To save money, consider the type of vehicle that is needed. Smaller vehicles tend to be more economical and fuel-efficient if traveling with a small group. For extra savings, AAA members get exclusive benefits when booking through Hertz.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons over Memorial Day weekend to be the most congested. Travelers should hit the road during the morning hours. The metropolitan areas that can expect the heaviest traffic are Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.