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AARP MEMBERSHIP — Limited Time Offer-Memorial Day Sale

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Last-Minute Memorial Day Travel Deals

Book a dreamy weekend getaway for less with cheaper prices on flights and other vacation costs

woman smiling holding an American flag
Experts say travelers can score last-minute deals at fun destinations for Memorial Day weekend.​ ​
Getty Images/iStockphoto
By

Jim Byers,

 
AARP
Published May 06, 2024

The unofficial kickoff to summer is almost here.

Technically, the season doesn’t start in the U.S. until June 20. But for most Americans, the sight of red, white and blue flags snapping in the breeze on Memorial Day marks the start of summer.

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If you’re thinking about traveling over the three-day weekend, experts say it’s not too late to find travel deals.

Memorial Day flight deals

Christie Hudson, senior public relations manager for Expedia Group, says Memorial Day flights tend to cost about $50 less than flights around July 4.

Hudson suggests booking flights departing on the Thursday or Friday morning before Memorial Day (May 27) and returning on Sunday or Tuesday to avoid holiday crowds.

Travel agent Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel agency, says flying midweek is a good way to save on airfare. “I also suggest packing light and doing carry-on only. You’ll save money, and you don’t have to worry about the airline losing your bag.”

Hudson says New York, Los Angeles and Miami are popular Memorial Day weekend destinations that have more affordable airfare. “Average ticket prices [are] under $500.”

Memorial Day weekend travel deals

Although accommodations are on the more expensive side during this time, some hotel brands offer deals specific for the long weekend.

Vacations by Marriott is promoting weekend trip packages for destinations around the world. Westgate Resorts has deals at several properties across the country, including in New York City, Orlando, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition to considering discounted rates, Hughes advises vacationers to compare perks at properties before booking to save money. “Look for free hotel amenities like free parking, free Wi-Fi or free breakfast. I also suggest being a member of hotel loyalty programs and maybe using your points.”

Memorial Day destinations for deals 

Thinking of traveling outside the country? Hudson says Memorial Day weekend is a good time to visit Mexico and the Caribbean before temperatures get too hot. “Cancun is one of Expedia’s top destinations with average ticket prices under $500 for the long weekend.”

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Before booking, make sure you research travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. The agency may recommend reconsidering travel — or not traveling at all — to some places in Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Edgartown Harbor on the eastern end of the Martha's Vineyard
Visitors can enjoy free events on Martha’s Vineyard over Memorial Day weekend. Here, an overview of Edgartown Harbor on the eastern end of the island.​ ​
Universal Images Group via Getty

Travelers looking for an island getaway a little closer to home may want to consider a trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket in Massachusetts, Hughes says. Both islands open for the season during the holiday weekend and offer a mix of luxury accommodations and affordable things to do. On Martha’s Vineyard, the 29th annual Vineyard Artisans Festivals are free and feature new artwork from island artists, plus demonstrations and activities for kids. In Nantucket, the free Memorial Day parade winds throughout the historic downtown and ends with a ceremony at Prospect Hill Cemetery. 

Here are more destinations to consider to observe Memorial Day on a budget.

National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas
The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, pays tribute to those who fought in Pacific Ocean battles during World War II. Admission is free for veterans.​ ​
Alamy Stock Photo

Museums and music in Fredericksburg, Texas

The National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate, pays tribute to those who fought in Pacific Ocean battles during World War II ($24; $16 for people 65 and older; WWII veterans free). The on-site Memorial Courtyard and Japanese Garden of Peace are free to visit. You’re a 15-minute drive from the legendary country music community of Luckenbach, where you can hear live music for free and enjoy the casual (OK, ramshackle) surroundings. 

Stay: The Comfort Inn and Suites is a pet-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool. Rooms start at $175. Also consider: Full Moon Inn Bed & Breakfast.

aerial view of a beach in Oahu
It doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy the beaches of Waikīkī on the island of O‘ahu.​
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sandy beaches and hula dancing in Honolulu

Although a trip to the island of O‘ahu is going to be on the pricier side, it’s free to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Waikīkī. There’s a free hula show at the Kūhiō Beach area of Waikīkī every Tuesday and Saturday night.

No trip to O‘ahu is complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial to pay your respects to fallen war heroes. Admission is free.

Stay: Prices are high in Hawai‘i, so Hughes recommends booking off the beach in Waikīkī to save money. The Vive Hotel is three blocks from the beach and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and beach gear rental. Rates start at $252. Also consider: The Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.

fireworks at Chicago's Navy Pier
Travelers can see fireworks for free at Navy Pier in Chicago.​ ​
Getty Images

Free fireworks on a Great Lake in Chicago

The Windy City has museums, memorials and attractions to celebrate America’s military. Navy Pier, opened in 1916 as Municipal Pier, was renamed in 1927 to honor naval veterans of World War I and served as a training center for the Navy during World War II.

Chicago has a series of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. Or take an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River to see the city’s skyline. For a true taste of the town, try a Chicago hot dog (a beef dog with mustard, onions, relish, a pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato and celery salt; no ketchup allowed).

Chicago’s free annual summer fireworks series begins May 25. Head to Navy Pier and the lakefront early to get a spot to see the show.

Stay: The Whitehall Hotel is part of the Best Western Premier Collection and half a block from shops and restaurants on Michigan Avenue. Rates start at $202. Also consider: Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham. 

Jim Byers is a travel writer based in Toronto. He served as travel editor at the Toronto Star newspaper for five years and freelances for travel publications around the world.

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