Memorial Day is beloved throughout the United States, most obviously because it marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Many folks will take advantage of the long weekend to travel and spend time with family and friends. The increased demand for travel during this period leads to several factors that contribute to the higher prices:
Why Is Memorial Day Travel More Expensive?
Supply and demand. Airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses capitalize on this increased demand by raising prices. While the demand for travel surges during Memorial Day, the supply of available flights, hotel rooms, and rental cars may not be able to keep up. This limited supply can lead to higher prices due to the principle of supply and demand. Travel companies often face increased operational costs during peak travel. These costs may include additional staffing, fuel, and maintenance expenses. To compensate for these costs, prices are often adjusted accordingly.
Seasonal factors also come into play: Memorial Day weekend signifies the beginning of the summer season when many popular tourist destinations experience an influx of visitors. As a result, prices tend to rise as travel service providers take advantage of more tourists.
And while booking and planning in advance to avoid higher prices during Memorial Day travel is advisable, Priceline–the original online travel agency celebrating its 25th birthday this year– has the best last-minute deals for Memorial Day 2023. Because with inflation, impending recession fears, and general doom and gloom all over the news, getting away (affordably!) for Memorial Day is basically doctors’ orders.
BEST MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL DEALS, ACCORDING TO PRICELINE
Most Affordable Domestic Flights
- ORLANDO, FL – $314
- NEW YORK, NY – $316
- CHICAGO, IL – $349
- HOUSTON, TX – $377
- DENVER, CO – $384
Most Affordable Domestic Hotel Destinations
- COLUMBUS, OH – $128
- SAN ANTONIO, TX – $138
- LAS VEGAS, NV – $145
- RENO, NV – $149
- CHARLOTTE, NC – $151
Most Affordable International Flights
- SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – $471
- CANCUN, MEXICO – $536
- PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – $817
- MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – $884
- LONDON, ENGLAND – $ 1,191
Most Affordable International Hotel Destinations
- BANGKOK, THAILAND – $83
- MANILA, PHILIPPINES – $85
- KYOTO, JAPAN -$106
- OSAKA, JAPAN – $114
- ATHENS, GREECE – $129
