AAA says a record number of Nebraskans and Iowans are expected to travel for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Spokesman Nick Jarmusz tells KLIN News more than 3.7 million people across the West North Central region, including Nebraska and Iowa, are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Memorial Day Monday. That’s up slightly from last year.
He says most travelers will hit the road, with more than 3-point-1 million expected to drive. AAA says higher gas prices could affect some travel plans. Nebraska drivers are currently paying just over four dollars a gallon on average.
But Jarmusz says travel demand remains strong. “These are the kind of weekends people look forward to and plan for year-around and they find a way to make it work within their budget to take these road trips, even when gas prices are as high as they are.”
Nationally, nearly 45 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday. Jarmusz says the busiest driving times will likely be Thursday and Friday afternoons, with lighter traffic expected Sunday. Drivers are encouraged to check tires, batteries, and fluid levels before heading out.