Memorial Day traffic expected to hit record high this year

A traffic jam on the 405 freeway in LA California. (iStock)

If you plan to travel for Memorial Day weekend, be prepared to spend some time sitting in traffic.

AAA is predicting that 39.3 million Americans will hit the road, take a flight, or otherwise get out of town between Thursday, May 25 and Monday, May 29. That would be the highest level for Memorial Day weekend since 2005, according to AAA.

Airfares, hotels and car rental rates are all higher this Memorial Day compared to last year, up 9 percent, 18 percent and 7 percent, respectively. And despite higher gas prices, most traveling Americans — 88.1 percent, or 34.6 million — will be reaching their destinations by car.

About 2.9 million Americans will be flying, an increase of 5.5 percent compared to last year.

Based on AAA travel bookings, Europe is a particularly popular destination this year: Rome, London, Dublin, and Paris are all in the top 10. However, family-friendly Orlando, Florida, took the top spot for Memorial Day destinations.

If you're still looking for a Memorial Day getaway, check out these options for cheap last-minute flights.