Trump Economy Sparks Record-Breaking Summer Travel Surge

America’s Road Trip Revival: Trump Economy Fuels Summer Travel Surge

In the spirit of John Steinbeck’s iconic journey across America, as captured in Travels with Charley, the nation is hitting the open road with renewed vigor. Steinbeck once wrote, "Nearly every American hungers to move." Today, that hunger is being fed by a revitalized economy under President Trump, sparking a travel boom this Memorial Day weekend.

AAA projects a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. "We’re seeing an additional million travelers compared to 2019, signaling a robust summer travel season," said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.

Lower Costs, Higher Hopes

The economic tailwinds are clear. Gas prices have dropped to an average of $3.13 per gallon nationwide, down from $3.59 last Memorial Day, according to AAA. This relief at the pump comes as a stark contrast to the previous administration’s policies, which drove up energy costs in a push for electric vehicles and a "low-carbon" lifestyle that many Americans rejected at the polls.

Inflation is also easing. April’s numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics marked the lowest inflation rate since early 2021, defying expectations and boosting consumer confidence. Even egg prices, a surprising election issue after avian flu spikes, fell 12.4% in April—the sharpest drop since 1984. For travelers, this means more cash for roadside diners and that extra omelet on the breakfast plate.

A Rejection of ‘Expect Less’

Last November, voters sent a clear message by re-electing Trump in a landslide, rejecting what many saw as a Democratic agenda of economic restraint. In 2024, polls like one from YouGov.com showed 59% of Americans cut back on travel due to high costs under the prior administration. Now, with a brighter economic outlook, families are packing up and rediscovering the joy of the journey.

Steinbeck understood the soul of American travel: "A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike." As Americans hit the highways, they’re not just chasing destinations—they’re reclaiming a sense of freedom and possibility.