Wisconsinites expected to travel at near-record numbers this Memorial Day weekend

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A near record-setting number of Wisconsin residents are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, AAA Wisconsin reports.

AAA Wisconsin predicts over 816,000 Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more, which would be the second highest number on record. The highest number of travelers recorded was in 2019, when over 827,000 Wisconsinites traveled.

The number of travelers expected to head out for the holiday weekend this year is 4% higher than it was last year. A large majority of Wisconsinites will travel by car.

Nationally, 38.4 million people are expected to travel by vehicle over Memorial Day weekend. AAA noted the national number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year.

“Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides,” said Nick Jarmusz, the director of public affairs for AAA. “However, Memorial Day drivers may have to pay more at the gas pump if they are heading out of state.”

Gas prices in Wisconsin are currently below the prices tracked from the same time last year, but average prices across the country are tracking higher. This is most notable outside of the Midwest.

AAA warned drivers trying to leave for their destination on Thursday or Friday that they may want to hit the road early.

Jarmusz said no matter where you’re going, be prepared for bigger crowds.

“We just, you know, encourage folks to leave early, whether that is getting on the road a little earlier to beat the the peak travel volumes or whether that’s getting to the airport, making sure you’re giving yourself plenty of time to get through security,” Jarmusz said.

Between noon and 6 p.m. on Thursday and noon and 7 p.m. Friday are among the worst travel times predicted.

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