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Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Travel during the Memorial Day stretch will bring some changes to Miami area
Traveling on Memorial Day? Expect higher gas prices, crowded roads and busy airports. And finding a parking space on South Beach might be something kind of special. On the happy side, the weather will be summer-like in South Florida. Here are some things you may want to know for a smoother trip on the holiday weekend, which starts as early as Thursday and culminates on Memorial Day Monday, May 26: Florida gas prices The price at the pump rose by double digits in Florida this week ahead of Memorial Day weekend. By mid-week, prices ticked down a couple of cents a gallon. What can you expect? 'With summer travel approaching, pump prices may rise with increasing fuel demand,' said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. GasBuddy, which monitors prices in South Florida and across the country, forecasts that the national average price of gas will be $3.08 per gallon on the holiday. That would make it the cheapest Memorial Day at the pump since 2021, according to the company. On Wednesday, the average gas price in Florida was $3.09 a gallon, according to AAA. Miami airport Expect thicker crowds at the airport if you're flying for the holiday. Miami International Airport forecasts more than 900,000 passengers Thursday, May 22, to Tuesday, May 27 — similar numbers to last year's record-breaking holiday stretch. Airport officials suggest travelers arrive at MIA three hours before a flight to allow time for parking, check-in and TSA screening. And remember to bring your REAL ID to avoid possible security delays. MORE: Travelers at Miami airport now dealing with new REAL ID requirement Parking is never a picnic at the airport, but MIA manager have some suggestions with the larger crowds expected: ▪ Half-price parking is available at MIA's Economy Park and Ride Lot. ▪ Valet parking is available at Doors 2 and 20 in the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. ▪ A Cellphone Waiting Lot has 60 free parking spaces just off LeJeune Road and Northwest 31st Street. Road trip tips You won't be alone on the road. AAA predicts more than 2 1/2 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend. 'Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,' said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA. If you want to avoid the most crowded conditions on the road, steer clear of afternoon and night travel Thursday through Monday — so if you drive before noon on those days, you'll encounter less crowded road conditions, according to AAA. South Beach rules Staying in town? Expect some company. According to AAA, the Miami area is the fifth most popular travel destination for Memorial Day travelers. The most popular? Orlando (warning for South Florida people heading to the land of the mouse). Drawing even more hordes to South Florida this holiday weekend: the Air & Sea Show on May 24-25 in South Beach. To clear the air, you can't fly your drone 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday during rehearsals and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The city of Miami Beach also announced other rules: ▪ Streets: Access restrictions on some city streets to limit traffic and improve safety for residents and customers. ▪ Parking: Flat parking rate of $30 for non-residents and $15 for residents. ▪ Slow vehicle restrictions: The suspension and closure of businesses renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles, motorized scooters, mopeds and motorized bicycles.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
1.3 million North Carolinians to travel for Memorial Day, expected to break 20-year record, AAA reports
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – It's set to be another record-breaking year for Memorial Day travel in the Carolinas. AAA predicts 1.3 million North Carolinians will travel at least 50 miles for Memorial Day this year, which marks an increase of nearly 50,000 compared to 2024. Nationwide, 45.1 million people are estimated to spend time away from home for the holiday weekend, and that's 1.4 million more domestic travelers than last year, according to AAA. This number would set a new Memorial Day weekend record that dates back to 2005, with 44 million people. Out of the 1.3 million projected travelers from North Carolina, 1.18 million are expected to drive, while over 114,000 will fly for the holiday, AAA reports. 'Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,' said Debbie Haas, the vice president of travel for AAA. 'Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. From a short beach retreat to an extended cruise, working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs.' In 2025, 87% of Memorial Day travelers nationally will take a road trip, and fortunately for drivers, a trip to the gas pump should be lower than last year, when the U.S. average of regular was $3.59 per gallon and $3.33 per gallon in North Carolina, according to AAA. Experts said gas prices have avoided the usual seasonal spikes so far this spring, primarily due to lower crude oil costs. 'As summer unofficially begins and travel demand picks up, there's a chance that pump prices will edge upward,' said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA in the Carolinas. 'Historically, gas prices tend to peak in the spring or summer before gradually easing as schools reopen in the fall.' Meanwhile, airports are bracing for another busy holiday weekend, with AAA predicting 3.61 million will take to the skies, an almost 2% increase from 2024 when 3.55 million air passengers. AAA reports this Memorial Day weekend isn't expected to set an air travel record, but this year's numbers are slated to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
More Michiganders expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, AAA says
Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Memorial Day is a few weeks away, and AAA says more Michiganders are expected to travel this year. The organization predicts that 1.29 million people will travel during the holiday weekend, an increase from 1.25 million in 2024 and 1.28 million five years ago. Of those travelers, 1.2 million will go by car, while 70,000 will travel by plane. Other travelers are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise. AAA says Friday, May 23, is projected to be the busiest day for rental car pickups, with SUVs one of the most popular vehicles to rent. Additionally, about 45.1 million people are expected to travel nationwide, an increase from 43.7 million in 2024. More than 39 million are expected to travel by car, while 3.61 million are expected to travel by plane. "Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway," said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, in a statement. "Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. From a short beach retreat to an extended cruise, working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs." Worst and best times to travel for Memorial Day weekend According to AAA, the following times will be the worst and best times to travel: Thursday, May 22 Worst time: Between 1-9 p.m. ET; Best time: before noon ET Friday, May 23 Worst time: noon to 8 p.m. ET; Best: before 11 a.m. ET Saturday, May 24: Worst time: Between 2-6 p.m. ET; Best: before noon ET Sunday, May 25: Worst time: Between 1-5 p.m. ET; Best: before 1 p.m. ET Monday, May 26: Worst time: Between 4-7 p.m. ET; Best time: before 2 p.m. ET
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
19 million Americans expected to cruise in 2025, and Florida has the 3 busiest cruise ports
All aboard! After years of predicting gas prices and traffic for major holidays, now motor club AAA is forecasting a record high in cruise travel for the third consecutive year. "AAA forecasts 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises in 2025," the company said in a release Sunday. "This is a 4.5% increase over 2024 when 18.2 million Americans went on cruise vacations. It's also 34% more than the pre-pandemic peak of 14.2 million in 2019." A surge after the pandemic, combined with cruise lines going for bigger ships, short itineraries and private islands has led to record-breaking numbers, Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA said. 'Cruise lines have introduced larger ships, which accommodate more guests and have an incredible range of amenities on board. It's at the point now where the ship itself can be the destination," Haas said. "Many of these vessels sail on short 3–4-night itineraries, which allows for more frequent sailings and the opportunity to sample cruising while visiting a private island.' The most popular cruise destination? The sunny Caribbean, with 72% of American cruise passengers compared to Alaska cruises (6%) and Mediterranean (5%). Florida is home to the three busiest cruise ports in the world, AAA said, based on embarkation and debarkation. Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale top the list, with Miami jumping to No. 1 in "world's largest cruise ships" after the Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas last year. Its equally large sister ship, Star of the Seas, is coming to Port Canaveral this summer. Man overboard? What should you do if you fall overboard on a cruise ship? How often does it happen? Miami: 10.3% Port Canaveral: 8.3% Fort Lauderdale: 5.2% Galveston, Texas: 4.2% Barcelona, Spain: 3.9% Southampton, England: 3.7% Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy: 3.6% Marseille, France: 2.6% Seattle, Washington: 2.2% New York City, New York: 1.0% AAA also offered tips on how to cruise without care. Reserve activities early. Popular cruise activities sell out fast, so reserve your excursion, specialty dinner, or spa treatment ASAP. Consider getting travel insurance. Most U.S. health insurance plans do not cover you at international destinations. Arrive the day before. That takes the stress out of worrying about flight delays and cancelations, and it gives you time to explore your departure city. Have a parking plan. If you're driving to your port city, decide ahead of time where you will leave your car. Most cruise ports offer parking right at the terminal, but it can be pricey. Look for off-site parking options that offer a shuttle service or hotels near the cruise port that offer 'park & cruise' options. These packages allow you to stay at the hotel the night before your cruise and park your car there while you're gone. Download the cruise line's app. You can check in for your cruise, review the itinerary, complete the mandatory lifeboat drill, look at the daily program, and sometimes open your stateroom door, order food, make dinner reservations, and text your friends. Cruise line apps are free to use onboard whether you bought the internet package or not. Do your homework before packing. Check your cruise line's list of prohibited items ahead of your trip. From irons and steamers to certain foods and beverages, each company is different, so take the time to look up what you can and can't bring onboard or your items will be confiscated. Bring items that come in handy. Sunscreen Extra prescription medications Magnetic hooks for extra storage space Colorful beach towel clips to keep your towel in place at the pool and help you find your spot more easily Embarkation dos and don'ts. Do arrive at your assigned embarkation time, if you have one. Don't try to get there early and hope they will let you on. They probably won't. Don't pack your passport or birth certificate in your suitcase. Do always have your documentation with you, including a copy of your boarding pass. If you do not have proper identification when you are checking in at the port, you will be denied boarding. Do pack a small carry-on with your swimsuit so you can change right away, as checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom for a few hours. Having fun? Do it again! While you're enjoying your vacation at sea, look for the future cruise office onboard for special promotions to book your next trip. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cruise passenger volume to set new record for 3rd year, AAA says
