JACKSON, Tenn. — Memorial Day travel is the first of many summer trips for family and friends.
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AAA research has shown that most Tennesseans will drive during this holiday.
This can mean increased traffic and higher gas prices.
“The further we head into the busy summer travel season, the more volatility we may see — more fluctuations in gas prices,” said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA.
The southeast region will have lower gas prices than other regions.
Another thing to remember is the best time to travel.
“When planning your trip, you want to avoid the afternoon periods of Thursday and Friday, because that's when we expect to see that commuter traffic mixing with that departing from out of town,” Cooper said.
Travel agent Selena Shackelford shares some tips for travelers.
For those flying, prepare for delays and opt for a carry-on rather than a checked bag to save more time.
“Many national parks are great places to visit during Memorial Day. You have Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains. Any of these areas will be great places to visit and camp,” Shackelford said.
Although some busier states can be visited, Tennessee can be a hub for a few tourists.
“Nashville and Chattanooga, Gatlinburg and many of our metro areas in Tennessee are very popular. So even if you’re not traveling out of state, you can still expect people to travel across our state or even come specifically to Tennessee,” Cooper said.
Plus, perhaps the best trips are the least traveled ones.
“You know, think outside the box and go to different places. Explore new things, just take the time to do something a little different, a little out of the ordinary. Plus, if you’re willing to think off the beaten path often, you can find hidden gems,” Shackelford said.
TDOT shared that construction would be stopped on state highways over Memorial Day weekend.
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