Despite high gas prices, Memorial Weekend travel expected to break records, AAA forecasts

Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Memorial Day Monday – a distance slightly higher than last year when gas prices were considerably lower, according to AAA. 

“Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks," Stacey Barber, vice president of travel for AAA, said in a statement. 

The AAA domestic travel forecast expects 39.1 million people will travel by car, and 3.66 million will fly. While gasoline prices are higher, many people will have booked their flights earlier in the year when ticket prices were lower. 

If the forecast turns out to be correct, it will bust last year's record of 39 million people traveling. 

The average price for a gallon of gas on Friday was $4.55 for regular, which is a couple of cents higher than a week ago and more than $1.35 higher than a year ago.