According to Triple-A Kansas, heavy travel is expected in Kansas and nationwide for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. If predictions hold true, travel could be busiest it's been in a dozen years. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 25, to Monday, May 29. According to AAA, 39.3 million Americans are expected to hit the road this coming weekend, and AAA Kansas expects to make 1,400 motorist rescues. According to a news release from the travel and insurance agency, the region that includes Kansas will see more than 3.3 million people taking Memorial Day weekend trips of 50 miles or longer. That marks a 2.1 percent increase over 2016 and the largest number of travelers since 2005. While road trips continue to be the most popular form of travel for Memorial Day, more Americans will fly, ride the train or bus, or take a cruise vacation compared to last year.
Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, is a national holiday set aside to remember America's war dead and other members of the military who served their country. Over the years, the holiday has also become the unofficial start of summer and the summer travel season.
Among the many activities and events taking place, the National World War I Museum in Kansas City will be open all weekend with free admission for veterans and half-price admission for the general public.