Business & Economics

AAA forecasts increase in travel over Memorial Day weekend

SDPB | By SDPB News Staff

Published May 21, 2025 at 6:33 AM CDT

Traffic on I-29 just south of Sioux Falls on Aug. 31, 2023. — Traffic on I-29 just south of Sioux Falls (file)

Despite concerns over a tight economy, analysts are expecting South Dakotans to travel more over Memorial Day weekend.

AAA is forecasting over 157,000 South Dakotans will travel at least 50 miles over the holiday weekend. That’s an increase of three percent from last year.

A majority of those – 85 percent – are expected to drive to their destination.

Nationwide, AAA predicts 39.4 million Americans will drive over Memorial Day weekend, an increase of over a million from 2024.

Those drivers will see lower prices at the pump. The state’s average cost for a gallon of gas is around $3, about a quarter cheaper than last Memorial Day.

However, the average prices of hotel bookings and air travel are both up slightly from 2024.

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AAA forecasts increase in travel over Memorial Day weekend

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