Memorial Day Weekend 2025: How to Navigate Record Crowds with These Unexpected Travel Tips

A trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is perfect for a Memorial Weekend getaway. Image by Colon Freld.

If you're hitting the road- or sky- this Memorial Day weekend, you're not alone. In fact, you're traveling alongside a record-breaking crowd. According to AAA, a staggering 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday. That breaks the previous record set back in 2005 and underscores what many travelers are already experiencing: airports are packed, highways are congested, and rest stops are overflowing.

So how do you survive- better yet, enjoy- your holiday travel in the midst of these historic numbers?

Here are five unexpected tips to help you navigate the chaos and make the most of your Memorial Day weekend getaway in 2025:

1. Book Airport Parking in Advance (or Skip It Entirely)

Many travelers think about booking their flight, but forget about parking until the last minute. This weekend, that could be a big mistake. Airport parking lots are already reporting full capacity in some regions. Avoid the stress by reserving a parking spot ahead of time, or better yet, take a rideshare to skip parking altogether.

2. Use Google Maps or Waze to Plan Restroom Breaks

Rest stops on major interstates may be packed with travelers. Instead of stopping where everyone else does, use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to spot alternative locations just off the beaten path. Taking a short detour to a local coffee shop or quieter gas station might save you long lines and cleaner facilities.

3. Take Advantage of Hotel Day Passes

Driving long distances with family? Skip the overcrowded rest stops and treat yourself to a break with a hotel day pass. We live in Las Vegas, and it's a must for a quick change of scenery. Many properties now offer access to pools, lounges, and fitness centers for a small fee- even if you’re not staying overnight. It’s a welcome way to refresh mid-journey.

4. Choose Midday Flights Over Morning or Late Night

Contrary to conventional wisdom, early morning and late-night flights are often the most delayed or overbooked during busy holiday weekends. Instead, consider flying in the late morning or early afternoon, when airports may be slightly less hectic and delays less frequent.

5. Pack a Mini Power Strip or Portable Charging Hub

Outlets are a precious commodity in crowded terminals and stations. Bring your own compact power strip to charge multiple devices at once- and maybe even make a few new travel friends by offering to share. We still keep in touch with the lovely British cruiser who offered to share her charger on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. A portable battery bank is also essential for keeping phones, tablets, and even laptops powered throughout the journey.

With a little planning and a few smart tricks, you can beat the stress- and enjoy the freedom that comes with a long weekend adventure. Safe travels!