HOUSTON – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and a popular way to celebrate is by taking a road trip. Most will most likely choose to drive rather than fly, so it's important to have the vehicle checked before leaving.
AAA said it answers hundreds of thousands of service calls across the country on the holiday weekend alone.
"AAA is forecasting to come to the aid of 330,000 people who may need help with a dead battery or flat tire or keys left in their car," said Sarah Schimmer, with AAA Texas, New Mexico. "What we are encouraging people to do is find a reputable shop, get that maintenance done, and spend more time getting to your destination."
Travelers will want to leave home as early as they can. AAA said more than 3 million Texans will hit the road this long weekend, and 2.8 million of them will drive.
"When you look at the national picture, Texas is always offering some of the lowest gas prices in the country. (It takes) $30 to $35 to fill up," Schimmer said.
According to the Gasbuddy app, gas prices on Memorial Day weekend will be the second cheapest in the last decade.
As people make their travel plans for the weekend, remember that AAA said the busiest day to leave town is Friday and the busiest day to return is Sunday.