This Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, more than 41.5 million Americans plan to travel, according to AAA.
This is almost 5 percent higher than last year and the most travelers in more than 12 years.
The busiest days are expected to be May 24 and 25 as business commuters mix with travelers.
With 2 million extra people traveling, delays are expected in major metro areas that are up to three times longer than normal, according to global transportation analytics company INRIX.
Gasoline prices nationwide are averaging 33 cents higher than April 2017.
“The highest gas prices since 2014 won’t keep travelers home this Memorial Day weekend,” Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of Travel and Publishing, said. “A strong economy and growing consumer confidence are giving Americans all the motivation they need to kick off what we expect to be a busy summer travel season with a Memorial Day getaway.”
The majority of people, 36.6 million, will travel by car, a 4.7 percent increase from 2017 and the fourth consecutive year of increases. An additional 1 million will travel by air, a 6.8 percent increase, and 1.8 million will travel by bus, train or cruise ship, a 2.4 percent increase.