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Memorial Day abroad: why Americans are skipping domestic trips this year
Spending Memorial Day abroad is becoming increasingly popular. Discover why Americans are skipping domestic trips this year and whether doing so actually costs more.
With Memorial Day fast approaching, you’re starting to make plans for the long weekend, but something feels off. The usual road trip or beach house feels a bit repetitive, and going overseas sounds a lot more appealing.
But is an international Memorial Day trip really realistic?
Absolutely. In 2026, staying domestic doesn’t always mean better value, less effort, or a more enjoyable experience.
In this article, we’re comparing the cost, effort, and experience between domestic and international Memorial Day travel. Read on to learn if heading abroad is the smartest choice for you this year.
The Memorial Day domestic trip problem nobody talks about
While there are many wonderful Memorial Day weekend trips in the USA, many of them get incredibly crowded at the end of May. US data shows that domestic Memorial Day travel is increasing each year, with a record number of people traveling in 2025.
The result?
- Hotel rates increase sharply in response to the demand, making what should be an affordable weekend break more expensive than an international holiday.
- Roads are heavily congested (especially on Friday and Monday), making short car journeys become full days on the road.
This not only costs time and money but also significantly diminishes the experience. You head away for a relaxing break, but the crowded destinations feel chaotic and stressful.
Many of the international destinations Americans are booking for Memorial Day are far quieter and more affordable. This is because late May is shoulder season (the period before summer begins). So even though an international trip might mean a longer flight, the whole experience often feels more relaxing and enjoyable than staying in the States.
What the numbers actually say about Memorial Day international vs. domestic costs
Not only do the costs, crowds, and planning effort differ between domestic and international travel, but also between international destinations themselves.
| Trip type | Typical cost range | Crowd level | Booking lead time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| US beach town (e.g., Miami, Outer Banks) | $800–$1,500 | Very high | 3–5 months |
| Cancun, Mexico (all-inclusive) | $900–$1,600 | Moderate | 6–8 weeks |
| London or Paris | $1,200–$2,200 | Low to moderate | 2–3 months |
| Puerto Rico | $700–$1,300 | Moderate | 6–8 weeks |
* This table is purely for illustrative purposes, and prices vary widely by departure city and booking time.
Although it’s easy to assume that an international trip will automatically cost more, that isn’t always the case. In fact, there are many cheap summer destinations close to the USA, such as Mexico or Puerto Rico.
With short flight times to these destinations from major US cities, it’s often possible to find airfares comparable to domestic flights. Plus, resorts here don’t tend to increase prices so much for Memorial Day, and their all-inclusive options can be a great way to keep costs under control.
It’s also worth factoring in the rising costs of road trips. When driving across states, rising gas prices, tolls, and multiple stops along the way can quickly add up, sometimes even surpassing the cost of flying to Mexico.
The experience gap: what you actually get going abroad
Aside from costs, international trips offer a completely different experience.
A different culture is one of the biggest differences (and a strong motivator for many travelers). After years of domestic trips, visiting a brand-new country can reignite your love of travel.
There are also fewer fellow Americans at most international destinations. Many travelers find this genuinely refreshing as it removes all familiarity and gives a complete change of scenery and routine.
What’s more, tourist destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean are known for their all-inclusive resorts, which are something far less common in the US.
Staying at an all-inclusive resort can potentially save money, but this is not the biggest draw. When all your meals, drinks, and even activities are included, the trip’s logistics become minimal. Many travelers opt for these types of international vacations specifically for this reason.
Finally, if you can extend your Memorial Weekend trip by a few days, Europe is one of the best places to travel during this period.
In late May, the whole of Europe enjoys long daylight hours (up to 16+ hours of light in London or Paris). The days feel longer (and in turn, so does your trip), as many attractions stay open well into the evening, allowing you to fit more in.
The barriers stopping Americans from going international (and whether they hold up)
When people rule out an international Memorial Day trip, it usually comes down to a few familiar concerns. But when you look at them closely, most of them come from common travel mistakes that are easy to avoid:
- The flight is too long: Most popular Memorial Day international destinations are surprisingly close. Mexico City is 3.5 hours from LA, Cancun is 4 hours from NYC, and Miami to Puerto Rico is 2.5 hours.
- It’s more complicated: While this used to be true, in 2026, international travel logistics are so much easier. Between flight comparison apps, last-minute hotel booking platforms, travel eSIMs, and online check-in, planning an international trip for Memorial Day weekend often feels no more complex than coordinating a domestic getaway.
- I need a passport: This is a valid concern, as most overseas destinations require a passport with at least 6 months of validity. But even if your passport is expiring, there is still a way to travel overseas; Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands allow US citizens to travel without a passport, as they are US territories.
- It costs more: As the table above shows, nearby international destinations can be just as affordable as domestic trips when you factor in flight prices and all-inclusive accommodation options.
So, should you go abroad this Memorial Day? Here’s how to decide
Since domestic and international trips are roughly comparable in terms of cost and effort, there is no clear right or wrong answer. The best option will depend on your personal circumstances and what kind of trip you actually want, not what everyone else is doing.
With that in mind, here’s a clear framework to help you decide which is best for you this year.
Go international if:
- You want to avoid the usual Memorial Day crowds on the roads and at destinations
- You usually stay in the USA, but you want to do something different this year
- You have a few PTO days around Memorial Day and want to turn it into a proper vacation
- You can plan and book your trip ASAP
- You’re seeking a new cultural experience or a complete change of scenery
Stick with domestic if:
- You’re traveling with very young children
- You cannot commit and book until the last minute
- You have a specific US bucket list destination in mind
- You prefer road trips to air travel
If you’re still unsure, why not compare the prices between one international destination that interests you and your usual domestic destination? Doing so will give you a better idea as to whether going abroad is actually more realistic than you thought.
And if you do decide to go abroad but are worried about the planning required, having a solid international packing list is an easy way to instantly reduce the logistics.
The simplest way to remove international travel stress
There is one more thing you can do to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible: set up a travel eSIM before you go.
With Holafly, you can install an eSIM in advance, then connect instantly when you land; no airport queues for SIM cards and no searching for WiFi required.
With fast, reliable mobile connection and unlimited data throughout your trip, you can order rides, navigate to your hotel, and access your reservations with zero friction.
Explore the eSIM store to find a data plan for your Memorial weekend destination.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.<br aria-hidden="true" />I'm also the founder of <a href="https://search-seoul.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Search SEOul</a>, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
