SUV with full tank.
For Chattanooga natives and visitors alike, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season bring an exciting respite. The anticipated influx of travelers is being facilitated by falling gas prices, a trend that delights travelers intending to hit the roads.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this Memorial Day weekend will witness a record-breaking number of travelers since 2005. The organization estimates nearly 43.8 million Americans, which includes over 900,000 Tennesseans, will travel beyond 50 miles from home. This significant figure points to an eventful start to the summer season.
Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, alludes to an impressive increase in Memorial Day travelers, totalling 1 million more than 2019. This surge points to a return of travel to pre-pandemic levels and indicates a bustling summer travel season ahead.
The decline in gas prices and a steady US economy growth are the significant drivers of this surge in travel, especially road trips. Analysts predict a record-setting 38.4 million will embark on car journeys during the Memorial Day weekend, the highest since AAA began tracking in 2000. For Chattanoogans hitting the road, they are currently enjoying the lowest gas prices in three years, with regular gas prices dipping by 17.1 cents per gallon in the last month and 6.7 cents per gallon below last year.
Increasing numbers of families are planning road trips for the summer, adding a boost to drive-to destinations like Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Tourism Co. is all set to welcome these visitors, enriching the local economy as well as providing its residents with an array of dining, shopping, and recreational options.
However, many attraction spots have experienced a decrease in pre-bookings for the Memorial Day weekend due to its early arrival in May. Additionally, inflation has put pressure on disposable income affecting the planning cycle and resulting in last-minute purchases of tickets and reservations.
Taking a step to enhance the extra flow of traffic over the weekend, the Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to suspend all construction-related lane closures. This move is intended to facilitate smooth and efficient traffic flow, ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone.
Even with this suspension in roadwork, the journey may still see delays because of long-term construction projects. Nevertheless, falling gas prices and budding summer festivities promise a busy but enjoyable season for Chattanooga residents and visitors.
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