Jun 22, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (June 24, 2026) — AAA South Jersey Gives Back is partnering with Move For Hunger to take a bite out of hunger this summer. From July 27 through August 27, community members can donate nonperishable food items.
Members can drop off donations at any of our three locations:
Suggested items include:
| Canned Tuna/Chicken | Chicken Broth |
| Pasta, Rice, Quinoa | Peanut/Nut Butters |
| Juice Boxes (no sugar added) | Canned Veggies |
| Canned Soups/Stews/Chili | Beans (canned or dried) |
| Boxes Mac & Cheese | Baby Food/Formula |
| Shelf Stable Rice/Almond/Soy Milk | Cereal/Oatmeal/Granola |
| Cooking Oils | *No glass containers please |
Did you know 119 billion pounds of food goes to waste in the U.S. every year? That’s equivalent to 158 billion cans of tuna. And every 40 cans of tuna feeds 25 people.
This summer, AAA launched Fuel Hope, Fight Hunger — a nationwide coordinated giving and volunteering initiative designed to support communities where we live, work and serve. Last year, the campaign generated 7.2 million meals.
If you cannot donate canned goods but would still like to fight hunger, you can donate directly to Feeding America here.
All members who donate at least $10 — 100 meals — will receive a Fuel Hope, Fight Hunger lunch box. To redeem the offer, visit any AAASJ branch – Voorhees, Sewell or Millville – and show proof of your donation.
Jun 10, 2026|Travel
WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2026) - AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively flat compared to last year, while travel by other modes, including cruises, is the category seeing the biggest increase.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
Independence Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: AAA projects 61.4 million people will travel by car over July 4th week, nearly the same number as last year when 61.3 million travelers took road trips. 85% of Americans traveling for Independence Day are expected to drive to their destinations, despite gas prices reaching four-year highs. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15. This year, prices are higher but remain lower than 2022, when the national average was $4.80 on Independence Day. Despite higher gas prices, filling up the tank during a road trip is still cheaper than purchasing flights for many travelers, especially for families with kids.
For travelers renting cars over July 4th, AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Thursday, July 2 to be the busiest pickup day. Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City are the cities with the highest demand based on advanced bookings. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive this holiday week compared to last year.
By Air: AAA projects 5.85 million travelers will take domestic flights over July 4th week, a 0.2% increase over last year. Air travelers make up 8% of the share of holiday travelers. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their Independence Day trips, roundtrip domestic flights to top destinations like Chicago and Denver are 5% more expensive. Domestic flights overall are averaging about $830 a ticket.
Jun 2, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (June 2, 2026) – AAA South Jersey is happy to announce the winner of our 2026 High School Scholarship Contest, Erin Hans!
Erin, a senior at Washington Township High School, was awarded the $2,500 scholarship for her essay on travel, which you can read below. Erin was selected as the recipient of this year’s scholarship out of more than 300 entrants.
“I feel like I have a lot of thoughts on my mind, so I always felt the need to write them down. My mom said I was a good writer from super early on so I kind of just stuck with it. But I find joy in it. I feel like it's super peaceful and therapeutic to get everything down,” Erin said.
Erin plans on attending Rowan University in the fall to study nursing. Eventually, she aspires to be a travel nurse and work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Scholarship contest entrants were asked to write a 500-word essay on the follow topic:
For generations, AAA has been part of countless journeys. Travel isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the stories we collect along the way. Think back to a trip that changed you—maybe a family vacation that brought you closer together, or a solo adventure that taught you something unexpected. Or imagine a future journey you dream of taking, one that could transform your perspective. In your essay, tell the story of that experience: what moments stand out, what lessons you discovered, and how it shaped -- or could shape -- the way you see the world.
So where would Erin like to travel in the future?
“There's so many. I don’t even know. Maybe Switzerland? Croatia,” she said.
The annual AAA South Jersey Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or technical school. To be eligible, the student must reside and attend school in Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, or Salem Counties.
Every student who enters a qualified submission receives a free, one-year AAA Basic Student Membership.
Read Erin’s full essay below. If you are wondering, the cat in Erin’s essay is named Jalen. Yes, after Jalen Hurts.
May 26, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (MAY 28, 2026) — AAA South Jersey is a proud sponsor of SoccerFest26 at the Camden Waterfront — a three-day celebration of the FIFA World Cup coming to the Philadelphia and New Jersey region.
Celebrate with local residents and visitors from all over the world from 12-10 p.m. each day from June 25-27.
In addition to viewing parties for all local matches, the event will include food from around the world, offerings from local wineries and breweries, live music and entertainment, local artists, crafters and vendors, and youth soccer sessions.
Find us at the blue AAA South Jersey tent to learn about AAA membership, insurance, travel and more. Plus, enter to win tickets to a concert at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion this summer!
May 20, 2026|Traffic Safety
VOORHEES, N.J. (May 26, 2026) -- Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer driving season, a time when teens gain more independence behind the wheel, families hit the road for vacations, and celebrations bring more drivers onto the nation’s roadways. To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving” between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This message comes at a critical time: according to a AAA review of national crash data, more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and nearly one-third of all impaired-driving fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By making smart choices behind the wheel, like putting cell phones out of reach, following posted speed limits, buckling up, and planning ahead for a sober ride, drivers can help make summer roads safer for everyone.
“The ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ campaign is about encouraging drivers to make simple choices behind the wheel that can help save lives,” said Gene Boehm, president and CEO of AAA. “By staying focused, slowing down, buckling up, and planning ahead for a sober ride, every driver can help make our roads safer this summer.”
In 2024 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 825, happened in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
In New Jersey, 35 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2024. Fifteen of those came during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From 2015-2024, 283 people in the Garden State were killed in a crash involving a teen driver, an average of 29 per year.
When accounting for population, New Jersey has some of the safest roads in the country for teen drivers. In 2024, 3.7 people per 1 million population were killed in crashes involving a teen driver, the fourth fewest in the United States, behind only Rhode Island (1.8), New York (2.8), and Massachusetts (3.1).
However, one death is still too many, and a troubling trend is emerging in New Jersey. Since at least 2022, the deaths per capita, as well as the number of people killed, has risen each year.
In 2022, 20 people were killed in New Jersey in crashes involving a teen driver (2.2 per 1 million population. In 2023, that number rose to 28 deaths (3.0). In 2024, 35 people were killed (3.7).
That’s why AAA encourages teens to use the summer months as an opportunity to build safe driving habits by limiting distractions, obeying speed limits, buckling up, and never driving impaired. Parents also play an important role by setting expectations early and modeling safe behavior behind the wheel.
May 19, 2026|Travel
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that serves as a certified translation of your U.S. driver’s license into multiple languages. Recognized in more than 150 countries worldwide, the IDP allows foreign authorities, law enforcement officers, and car rental agencies to quickly verify your driving credentials — even if they can’t read English.
Important to note: an IDP is not a standalone license. It must always be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver’s license. Think of it as a universal translator for your existing credentials.
Many popular travel destinations either require or strongly recommend an IDP for foreign drivers. These include:
May 12, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (May 13, 2026) — To celebrate Earth Month, AAA South Jersey committed to plant one tree for each vehicle battery we recycled in the month of April. With 686 batteries replaced and recycled by our fleet during April, AAA South Jersey Gives Back partnered with One Tree Planted to plant 686 trees in areas of the United States most in need of reforestation.
In the three years since the program started, AAA South Jersey has provided more than 1,800 trees across North America through our support of One Tree Planted.
The nonprofit has planted more than 171 million trees in 84 countries across the globe since 2014.
AAA is Driving Change through our vehicle battery recycling program. Since its inception more than 25 years ago, we have recycled over 30 million batteries! Not only do we recycle every battery we replace, but we also encourage others to do the same! Anyone can drop off their batteries at a AAA Car Care Center or Approved Auto Repair, and we will make sure they are disposed of properly.
Unrecycled batteries can discharge large quantities of lead and sulfuric acid into the environment, creating health, safety, and fire hazards for humans and animals alike.
The AAA battery program is a year-round effort that collects and recycles as many old batteries as are installed annually. Last year alone, AAA recycled over 2.5 million batteries with the lifetime total of the program topping 30 million.
May 5, 2026|Travel
WASHINGTON, DC (May 11, 2026) - AAA projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25. This year’s domestic travel forecast is slightly higher than last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend travel record with 39.1 million travelers expected to drive and 3.66 million expected to fly to their destinations. While gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
Memorial Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: AAA projects 39.1 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, a slight jump over last year. Driving is the most popular way to travel and makes up 87% of the share of Memorial Day travelers. This holiday weekend, drivers are paying more at the pump compared to last year when the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.17 on Memorial Day. Currently, pump prices are the highest they’ve been since the summer of 2022.
With a record number of travelers on the road this holiday weekend, AAA reminds drivers to put safety first, Slow Down, Move Over, and drive sober. Before hitting the road, check your car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluids. Last Memorial Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 350,000 emergency roadside assistance calls to help stranded drivers with issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.
For travelers who are renting cars over Memorial Day weekend, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest pick-up days. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, and Boston. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 1% cheaper this holiday weekend compared to last year.
Apr 28, 2026|Fuel
VOORHEES, N.J. (April 30, 2026) — After ticking down for nearly two weeks, gas prices are going back up again with the national average seeing a 27-cent hike in one week. The national average is $1.12 higher than it was this time last year, as oil prices surge above $100/barrel with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, since late July 2022.
Today’s National Average: $4.300
One Week Ago: $4.031
One Month Ago: $3.990
One Year Ago: $3.183
In New Jersey, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has skyrocketed 34 cents to $4.27 over the last week. That’s the 8th-largest jump in the country during that span. Over the last month, prices are up 40 cents. Since the same time last year, prices are up $1.27.
The cheapest gas in the Garden State can currently be found in Salem County, with an average price of $4.21. Cape May County is the most expensive in the state at $4.32.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 9.05 million b/d to 9.10 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 228.4 million barrels to 222.3 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $6.95 to settle at $106.88 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 6.2 million barrels from the previous week. At 459.5 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 1% above the five-year average for this time of year.
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station went up by one cent this past week to 41 cents.
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($6.01), Hawaii ($5.64), Washington ($5.57), Oregon ($5.15), Nevada ($5.12), Alaska ($4.92), Arizona ($4.67), Illinois ($4.66), Michigan ($4.58), and Ohio ($4.46).
Apr 27, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. — This Memorial Day Weekend, visit AAA South Jersey at one of the area’s largest festivals — the Collingswood May Fair! AAASJ is a proud sponsor and vendor for the 45th annual May Fair, taking place on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Collingswood estimates more than 50,000 people attended last year’s event on Haddon Avenue. The day includes more than 250 vendors and artists, a kids zone, live music, food from local restaurants, and a car show.
Find us at the blue AAA South Jersey tent to learn about AAA membership, insurance, travel and more. Plus, enter to win tickets to a concert at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion this summer!
We’ll see you there!
By Other Modes: Travel by other modes is seeing the biggest year-over-year growth compared to car and air travel. AAA projects 4.93 million Americans will take buses, trains, and cruises over Independence Day week, a 5.3% increase from last year. This year is also expected to surpass 2019’s figure of 4.79 million travelers, due in large part to the post-COVID cruising boom. Travelers are drawn to cruise vacations because they know how much the trip will cost upfront, and the ship offers all-inclusive dining, various entertainment options, and multiple destinations.
AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations
AAA members are heading to major U.S. cities over July 4th week and flying internationally to Canada and Europe. Alaska cruises are in peak season, that’s why Seattle, Anchorage, and Fairbanks are all top domestic destinations. Independence Day fireworks and festivities in New York, Chicago, and Boston also draw big crowds. Florida ranks high thanks to theme parks, beaches, and cruise ports. On the international side, Vancouver tops the list, followed by major European cities like Rome, Dublin, Paris, and London.
Summer Safety on the Road
July 4th week can be especially dangerous on the road with more teen drivers behind the wheel and a rise in impaired driving due to holiday festivities. That’s why AAA is urging drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving this summer. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with MADD, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out.
Drivers preparing to take road trips should also prioritize car maintenance and stay on top of routine oil changes, plus check battery condition and tire pressure. Last year during Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. Half of those required towing services, and nearly 30% of those calls were for battery replacement and flat tires.
Once on the road, AAA reminds drivers to Slow Down, Move Over whenever there are emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road. By reducing speed and changing lanes, drivers allow roadside workers to do their jobs safely and help prevent tragedies.
Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the second weekend of the holiday period will be the busiest on the roads, starting Thursday, July 2. But in certain metros, like Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, peak congestion is expected Saturday, June 27. Drivers looking to avoid the heaviest traffic should leave early in the day or consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday.
Please note the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located. For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.
Independence Day Holiday Travel Period
AAA’s Independence Day holiday travel period spans nine days and includes two weekends. This year, the dates range from Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.
Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology
In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.
Historical travel volume estimates come from MMGY’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. MMGY contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.
The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was finalized the week of May 18, 2026.
Because AAA holiday forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes, whether traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.
INRIX Methodology
INRIX blends statistically grounded models with real-world road behavior to forecast travel conditions on the most heavily traveled routes across the U.S. during peak holiday periods. INRIX’s holiday traffic forecast combines pre-selected high-impact travel routes, rich multi-source traffic data, and a statistically robust linear regression model to generate detailed, time-specific travel delay predictions. INRIX’s data sources include a wide array of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based inputs. These include connected vehicle GPS data, mobile apps and navigation services, roadside sensors and cameras, and commercial fleet telematics. With expansive coverage, high temporal resolution, and historical context, this forecasting process provides essential insights for travelers, media, and agencies alike.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
About S&P Global Market Intelligence
At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we understand the importance of accurate, deep and insightful information. Our team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
About MMGY
MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. With operating brands around the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive, and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit www.mmgyglobal.com.
About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.
Summer celebrations and travel can also increase the risk of impaired driving. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out.
“No celebration is worth risking a life,” said Jose Torres, AAA Manager of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. “Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, a concert, or a weekend getaway, make a plan to get home safely before the fun begins. Choosing a sober ride is one of the simplest ways drivers can protect themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.”
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
Even in countries where an IDP is not strictly required, having one can prevent misunderstandings with local authorities and streamline the car rental process. Always check the specific requirements of your destination country before you travel.
Your IDP works hand-in-hand with your regular U.S. driver’s license. When you present both documents together, foreign officials can instantly understand your driving qualifications without a language barrier.
The IDP translates your license information into ten languages, including French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, and more. This makes it an invaluable tool whether you’re navigating a traffic stop in rural Italy or picking up a rental car at an airport in Tokyo.
Remember: Always carry both your IDP and your valid U.S. driver’s license. Presenting the IDP alone is not sufficient and may result in fines or other complications.
Traveling with an IDP offers several important advantages:
AAA South Jersey is an authorized issuer of International Driving Permits — one of only two organizations in the United States authorized to issue IDPs (the other being the American Automobile Touring Alliance).
Getting your IDP is simple and fast. Here’s what you’ll need:
Your IDP will be issued on the spot and is valid for one year from the date of issue. There’s no waiting — you can walk in and walk out with your permit the same day.
Before you hit the road abroad, keep these best practices in mind:
With an IDP in hand and AAA South Jersey by your side, you can explore the world’s roads with confidence. Stop by your nearest branch today to get started.
By Air: AAA projects 3.66 million travelers will take domestic flights over Memorial Day weekend, a small increase over last year. Air travelers make up 8% of the share of travelers this holiday weekend. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their Memorial Day weekend trips, roundtrip domestic flights are 6% cheaper compared to last year, with an average ticket costing $800.
By Other Modes: Travel by other modes is expected to go up by 5% with 2.2 million people traveling by bus, train, or cruise over Memorial Day weekend. Alaska cruise season kicks off this time of year, and the popularity of Alaska cruises is a driving factor in this category’s growth.
AAA’s Top Memorial Day Weekend Destinations
Memorial Day weekend travelers are taking trips to theme parks and famous landmarks, boarding cruises in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and flying to Europe to visit iconic capital cities. Here are the top 10 domestic and international destinations, based on AAA booking data.
| RANKING | DOMESTIC | INTERNATIONAL |
| 1 | ORLANDO, FL | ROME, ITALY |
| 2 | SEATTLE, WA | VANCOUVER, CANADA |
| 3 | NEW YORK, NY | PARIS, FRANCE |
| 4 | LAS VEGAS, NV | LONDON, ENGLAND |
| 5 | MIAMI, FL | ATHENS, GREECE |
| 6 | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | DUBLIN, IRELAND |
| 7 | ANCHORAGE, AK | BARCELONA, SPAIN |
| 8 | CHICAGO, IL | SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND |
| 9 | DENVER, CO | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
| 10 | BOSTON, MA | EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND |
Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says Memorial Day weekend drivers should expect the heaviest congestion on Thursday and Friday between 3pm and 6pm and Monday afternoon. Sunday should be the lightest day for traffic, barring any unexpected events on the road. According to INRIX, as congestion moves out of metro areas during holiday periods and onto highways, the risk of crashes increases as many drivers navigate unfamiliar routes outside of their normal commuting patterns. This stresses the importance of getting a good night’s rest before a road trip, planning your route ahead of time, and driving undistracted and sober.
Please note the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located. For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.
SOURCE: INRIX
Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology
In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.
Historical travel volume estimates come from MMGY’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. MMGY contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.
The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was finalized the week of April 13, 2026.
Because AAA holiday forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes, whether traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.
INRIX Methodology
INRIX blends statistically grounded models with real-world road behavior to forecast travel conditions on the most heavily traveled routes across the U.S. during peak holiday periods. INRIX’s holiday traffic forecast combines pre-selected high-impact travel routes, rich multi-source traffic data, and a statistically robust linear regression model to generate detailed, time-specific travel delay predictions. INRIX’s data sources include a wide array of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based inputs. These include connected vehicle GPS data, mobile apps and navigation services, roadside sensors and cameras, and commercial fleet telematics. With expansive coverage, high temporal resolution, and historical context, this forecasting process provides essential insights for travelers, media, and agencies alike.
Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period
AAA's Memorial Day holiday travel period includes five days, beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day and ending on Monday.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
About S&P Global Market Intelligence
At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we understand the importance of accurate, deep and insightful information. Our team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
About MMGY
MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. With operating brands around the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive, and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit www.mmgyglobal.com.
About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.
The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($3.70), Kansas ($3.75), Georgia ($3.75), Mississippi ($3.77), Arkansas ($3.79), Louisiana ($3.80), Missouri ($3.83), North Dakota ($3.84), Texas ($3.85), and Alabama ($3.86).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (53 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), California (46 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Illinois (44 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (31 cents), Utah (32 cents), Maryland (33 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Iowa (34 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Vermont (35 cents), New Mexico (36 cents), and Delaware (37 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 66 million members across North America, including 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.