PHOENIX — Nearly 43 million people are hopping in the car this Memorial Day weekend and hitting the road.
AAA said that is just shy of the all-time record that was set back in 2005.
That nearly record number of travel by car is in spite of Arizona gas prices going over $3 per gallon.
If you are not one of the millions who have a plan, one travel expert says that you still have time to plan a last-minute trip without spending a fortune.
Procrastinators in the Phoenix area are getting a pass because, not only do we have great staycation options here, we can also easily hit the road to spots like California.
Travel Expert Jeaneene Tornatore said you can get a deal on hotels by looking for a specific type.
"The key here really is to look at hotel properties that typically take in a lot of convention business," Tornatore said. "You're not going to see conventions over the holiday weekend. So, places like the JW Marriott and LA Live will have great availability and great rates for the holiday weekend."
Before you head out of the state, be sure to look right here in the valley too.
AAA ranked the Top 10 Memorial Day Destinations based on travel bookings and Phoenix made the top 10.
Top 10 Memorial Day travel destinations, based on advance AAA Travel bookings:
- Orlando, Florida
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Anaheim, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Tampa, Florida
- San Francisco, California
"Every time that I think about Phoenix, you have so many great fantastic resorts right out your backdoor," Tornatore said. "And what I've been telling people in other areas of the country is that, Phoenix is great during the early summer, so you're headed into your off season. So, it's really time to take advantage of some of those."
If last-minute travel just stresses you out, why not use the holiday weekend now to plan your travel for the next holiday weekend?
Tornatore said you should be looking to book 4th of July travel plans right now.
"Maybe think - 'Where could I go that not everybody else is going,'" Tornatore suggested. "It's going to offer you some great possibilities, as well. I like looking north to places like Toronto. They have such a great scene there from shopping to nightlife and dining ... and I don't think a lot of people are going to be celebrating July 4th in Toronto, so it could be a really great option if you're looking to escape the crowds."
Fore more travel tips from Tornatore, click here.
Smart Shopper Chelsey Davis is also tracking Memorial Day deals. View those here.
