Trending Now - Travelers Undeterred by Rising Energy Costs This Weekend

WHO:

CNN - James Smith, a traveler flying from New Mexico to Newark, New Jersey.

CNN - Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics consulting company.

CNN - Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

CNN - Frantz Simon and his family, traveling from Long Island to Georgia.

CNN - Connie Lear, manager of rental reservations in June Lake, California.

CNN - John Mercagliano, a resident of a Philadelphia suburb.

WHAT:

CNN - AAA projected that 45 million Americans are traveling this weekend, an increase from last year's record of 44.8 million.

CNN - Airfares are up more than 20% compared to last year.

CNN - National gas prices averaged $4.55 a gallon, up $1.38 from last year and up 53% since the start of the Iran war.

CNN - More than half of leisure hotel spending is by individuals making $150,000 or more.

CNN - Many travelers are reducing their stay duration, with some opting for four or five days instead of seven.

WHERE:

CNN - Travelers are flying to Newark, New Jersey, and driving to Georgia.

CNN - June Lake, California, near the entrance of Yosemite National Park.

WHEN:

CNN - The holiday weekend is referenced, with specific travel plans for a high school graduation.

WHY:

Bloomberg - Rising energy costs, the Iran war, and economic uncertainties are affecting travel plans.

CNN - Travelers are prioritizing travel as a treat despite rising costs.

HOW:

CNN - Some travelers are skipping hotel stays to save money, opting to stay with family or friends instead.

(UPDATED May 24, 2026 17:18 UTC)

This weekend, AAA projects that 45 million Americans will be traveling, surpassing last year's record of 44.8 million, despite airfares rising more than 20% and national gas prices averaging $4.55 a gallon. Many travelers are adjusting their plans, with some choosing shorter stays of four or five days instead of a full week, and some are even skipping hotel accommodations to save money by staying with family or friends. Rising energy costs and economic uncertainties are influencing these travel decisions, but many are still prioritizing trips as a special treat.