AAA projects that 41.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend—nearly five percent more than last year and the most in more than a dozen years. Despite higher gas prices, AAA Western and Central New York is seeing an increased number of members stopping in for TripTiks and maps for holiday road trips. The top destinations for local travelers are along the Eastern Seaboard with Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod and drivable campgrounds being the most popular. Some visitors to AAA are also requesting guides to local wine trails, while others are booking trips to Orlando. AAA expects Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25 to be the busiest travel days.

By the numbers: 2018 Memorial Day holiday travel forecast

•    Automobiles: The vast majority of travelers – 36.6 million – will hit the road this Memorial Day, 4.7 percent more than last year.
•    Planes: 3.1 million people will travel by air, a 6.8 percent increase and the fifth year of consecutive air travel volume increases. 
•    Trains, Buses and Cruise Ships: Travel across these sectors will increase by 2.4 percent to 1.8 million passengers.

While drivers are paying the highest prices at the pump since 2014, gas prices aren’t deterring families from taking road trips. As of May 22, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in New York State is $3.08. A year ago, it was $2.51. The national average is $2.93. In the Western and Central New York region, the averages are as follows:

•    Batavia - $2.98
•    Buffalo - $2.97
•    Ithaca - $3.01
•    Rochester - $3.03
•    Rome - $3.08
•    Syracuse - $3.05
•    Watertown - $3.10

The switchover to summer-blend gasoline, geopolitical events, decreased global supply, increased global demand and rising prices of crude oil have all contributed toward driving up gas prices since January. Trends are indicating that this summer is likely to bring the national average to at least $3/gallon. The price of crude oil and demand levels will be major factors in determining how long prices are expected to be this expensive.

With the majority (88 percent) of travelers driving to their Memorial Day destinations, AAA suggests drivers prepare their cars ahead of time. AAA expects to rescue more than 340,000 motorists nationwide at the roadside this Memorial Day weekend. Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires will be the leading reasons AAA members will request service.