Louisville will be the travel hot spot in May with the Kentucky Derby And PGA Championshipbut new data shows the River City is becoming an increasingly sought-after travel destination for Memorial Day weekend.
According to a press release from Hunting trip, travel to Louisville over the holiday weekend saw a 48% year-over-year increase in tourist traffic in 2023, behind destinations like Tokyo, Madrid and Lima, Peru. Traffic in 2024 could further increase thanks to the new Gazebo Festival, sponsored and co-titled by native Jack Harlow.
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The release also revealed an increase in travel for sporting events and concerts, as well as the busiest travel days near Memorial Day. Here's what we know:
Top Memorial Day Travel Destinations
According to Chase Travel, the top Memorial Day travel destinations are:
- Lima, Peru: Up 184%
- Osaka, Japan: Up 111%
- Tokyo: Up 67%
- Madrid: Up 60%
- Anchorage, Alaska: Up 59%
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Up 53%
- Louisville: Up 48%
- Salt Lake City: Up 47%
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Up 44%
- Mexico: Up 44%
What are the busiest travel days around Memorial Day?
The busiest travel days are Memorial Day, which falls on May 27, 2024, and the Friday before the holiday.
When are hotels most booked around Memorial Day weekend?
Hotels are most commonly booked the Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day, which is May 24-25 this year.
