Yes, We All Need a Break. Expect Record Crowds for Memorial Day Travel

We're all ready for a vacation, apparently.

AAA said it projects a record 45.1 million will travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year. Although rising prices from inflation and tariffs have left many of us paying more for everything, or anxious that higher costs are coming, a three-day trip can be a nice break from the regular routine without breaking the budget.

"Memorial Day weekend getaways don't have to be extravagant and costly," Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. "While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends."   

The majority of travelers are expected to go by car, with 87% choosing a road trip, according to AAA's findings. That's likely due in part to sinking gas prices, which dropped again in March, according to the latest inflation number from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you're traveling by airplane, do pay close attention to the potential for disruptions like those in recent days at busy Newark Liberty International Airport.

Whether you're hitting the road or taking a flight for your Memorial Day trip, there are plenty of ways to save on travel, even if you haven't made any plans yet.

How to save on last-minute travel

With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, you don't have a lot of time to make travel plans if you haven't already made them.

Be flexible. If you're trying to find a last-minute flight, CNET travel expert Macy Meyer says you can save by checking for off-peak times like early morning or red-eye. "I also swear by fare comparison tools and set alerts on apps like Google Flights, Going or Hopper to snag sudden price drops," said Meyer, who covers key travel trends.

Look off the beaten path. Hotels in popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive than the ones that aren't in prime locations, according to AAA. Finding one that's near public transportation can help you save even more by eliminating the cost of a rental car or reducing the amount you spend on gas. 

Save (more) on gas. Speaking of gas, fuel prices may be down from their highs, but you can save even more with tricks like paying with cash and taking advantage of fuel rewards programs.

Gear up before you go. A last-minute getaway can be exciting and fun, but doing a minimum amount of prep work before you go can help you avoid overspending on gear. When you decide on a destination, make a quick list of activities and what you might need to bring to do them. Check out Memorial Day deals for easy ways to save right now.

Don't overpack. You don't need six pairs of shoes for a three-day trip. Not only does packing light save time -- you don't waste your vacation unloading the luggage --- but it can save you money by avoiding having to pay for a checked bag if you're flying. Can't decide what to bring? Check out Meyer's tips for packing efficiently.

Earn rewards with a travel credit card. A travel credit card lets you earn rewards for hotels, flights and more. Using one could help you get discounts on your Memorial Day trip and earn rewards to help you save money on a future trip. Just make sure you don't overspend and wind up in debt.