May 11 (UPI) — AAA estimates that 45 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend, a slight uptick over last year.
AAA reported its estimate on Monday, forecasting an uptick in travel between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25. Last year about 44.8 million people traveled for Memorial Day weekend.
About 39.1 million people are estimated to be hitting the road while another 3.66 million will fly and 2.22 million will take other forms of travel.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” Stacey Barber, AAA vice president, said in a statement. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
AAA said last year the average gallon of regular gasoline cost $3.17 on Memorial Day.
Fuel prices remain high across the United States as the war in Iran drags on. The average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States is $4.52. That is up from $4.45 last week, $4.13 last month and $3.13 a year ago.
Oil prices climbed again on Monday, following President Donald Trump’s statement that Iran’s response to the United States’ latest peace proposal was “totally unacceptable.”
Brent crude oil increased by 4% to $105.50 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate rose 4.4% to $99.80.
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