Expedia’s Memorial Day Travel Outlook shows Americans are still eager to get away for Memorial Day weekend, even as higher travel costs remain top of mind. In fact, AAA projects a record 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between May 21 and May 25, with 3.66 million travelers taking domestic flights over Memorial Day weekend¹ – marking the busiest Memorial Day travel period on record.

Against that backdrop, Expedia data shows people are prioritizing warm‑weather escapes, emerging destinations and smarter booking strategies to make their long‑weekend getaways more affordable.

According to Expedia search data for travel between May 22–26, 2026, three key trends are shaping Memorial Day weekend travel.

Chasing Sunshine, Especially in Value-Friendly Spots²

Classic beach destinations remain popular this Memorial Day, with travelers searching heavily for places like Cancun, Punta Cana, Miami and Myrtle Beach. At the same time, interest is surging for beach destinations such as Orange Beach, Alabama (+65%), Delray Beach, Florida (+60%), and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (+45%).

“It’s worth noting that each of these surging beach destinations – Orange Beach, Delray Beach, and North Myrtle Beach – is within easy driving distance of major population centers across the Southeast, making them especially attractive to travelers looking to manage costs like airfare and rising gas prices,” said Melanie Fish, Expedia Group Travel Expert & Spokesperson.

Internationally, Paris, Tokyo and Rome are still among the most popular destinations, but travelers are also eyeing sun-soaked destinations that are closer to home, with year-over-year search demand rising for Exuma, Bahamas (+60%), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (+60%), and Saint Martin (+55%) — locations that can sometimes offer more competitive pricing compared to more saturated resort destinations.

Secondary Destinations and Lifestyle Hubs Are Gaining Momentum

Rather than defaulting only to major tourist hubs, many travelers are gravitating toward destinations that blend culture, scenery, and a sense of escape. Domestic searches are rising for places like Palo Alto, CA (+60%) and Napa, CA (+45%), along with coastal favorites such as Newport Beach, CA (+45%) and Laguna Beach, CA (+30%). Urban hubs like Atlanta, GA (+40%) and San Francisco, CA (+35%) are also seeing heightened interest.

Savvy Savings and Travelers Are Waiting Longer to book

With prices top of mind, many travelers are booking closer to departure and  searching for last-minute ways to save. The good news: deals are still out there.

Tips for Saving on a Last-Minute Memorial Day Getaway:

• Check last-minute hotel and vacation rental deals: Expedia’s Weekend Escapes page features last-minute discounts on hotels and vacation rentals, perfect for travelers planning a spontaneous Memorial Day trip.
• Bundle and save: Booking flights and hotels together can unlock lower overall prices. Travelers can combine flights, hotels, car rentals and activities, saving hundreds on average.³
• Book with One Key Price Drop Protection for peace of mind: Gold and Platinum members can access free One Key Price Drop Protection on select Expedia flight bookings in Expedia’s app. Expedia will give back the difference in OneKeyCash™ if the price drops after booking.⁴
• Be flexible with destination or property type: Swapping a hotel for a vacation rental, or choosing a neighboring city or beach town, can lead to better availability and lower nightly rates. Plus, because vacation rentals include kitchens, travelers can potentially save even more by dining in instead of eating out.
• Travel short distances: Many of the fastest-growing destinations are easy domestic getaways, helping travelers save on airfare while still getting a change of scenery.
• Memorial Day Coupon Code: Expedia is offering an extra 15% off select stays with code SAVE15NOW when you book by May 21, 2026, for travel through July 31, 2026.

For last-minute Memorial Day deals, visit: https://www.expedia.com/deals/weekend-escapes.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

[1] Source:  AAA Memorial Day Travel Forecast, May 11, 2026

² Based on lodging searches made on Expedia.com between January 19, 2026, and April 26, 2026, for travel between May 22, 2026, and May 26, 2026, compared to the same dates in 2025.

³ Savings vary and are not available on all packages.

⁴ Based on OneKeyCash awarded to US and UK customers in 2025. OneKeyCash Price Drop Protection is for Gold and Platinum One Key members on select flight bookings when the price dropped on Expedia. The price difference is issued in the form of OneKeyCash. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and participating brands. 

⁵ One use per booking; subject to availability, full Terms & Conditions.

OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and participating brands. Terms apply: https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/one-key-price-drop-protection