BEND, Ore. — Central Oregon will once again a top northwest regional destination for Memorial Day Weekend, according to AAA. And a record number of Americans is expected to travel by car.
A total of 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home.
About 617,000 Oregonians will travel over the unofficial start of summer, with 506,000 driving to their destinations. Nationwide, 87.4% are expected to take a road trip, AAA projects. That’s 39.4 million people — 1.1 million more than in 2024.
This is also expected to be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports in 20 years. AAA says it expects 3.61 air travelers over the Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 1.8% over 2024. More than 64,000 Oregonians will fly to their Memorial Day destinations, AAA said.
It will be the first Memorial Day weekend under the REAL ID law that went into effect May 7. Those without REAL ID can still fly, but they will need a passport or military ID to avoid extra scrutiny at security. That means plan to spend extra time with the TSA.
“The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening,” AAA said in a press release.
For members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, the top regional destinations are:
- Bend
- Portland
- Eugene
- Boise
- Medford/Ashland
- Seattle
- Lincoln City
- Seaside
- Redmond Redding, Calif.
The top U.S. destinations are:
- Anaheim
- Las Vegas
- Maui
- Nashville
- San Francisco
- Honolulu
- San Diego
- Phoenix
- Boston
- New York
The top international destinations are:
- Cabo San Lucas
- London
- Dublin Vancouver, B.C.
- Tokyo
- Rome
- Athens, Greece
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Amsterdam
