Memorial day (May 30) marks the unofficial start to summer, and it’s also one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. In fact, AAA predicted that 37.2 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend in 2015.
Summer is a busy time for the airline industry, and thanks to high demand, finding cheap tickets can feel nearly impossible. Still, there are some great fares to be found if you know where to look. Yahoo Finance reached out to the airfare prediction experts at Hopper to provide travelers with the cheapest airline routes for Memorial Day weekend 2016.
(Fares may vary slightly based on demand and availability.)
Cheap destinations from New York:
Fort Lauderdale: $122 round-trip on Spirit Airlines
If Miami’s energy stresses you out, then Fort Lauderdale’s relaxed vibe is a nice alternative getaway for Memorial Day Weekend.
For $175 a night you can stay in this 620-square foot one-bedroom suite at the Aqua hotel. The room comes with a king bed, free Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen – so guests can prepare meals instead of overspending at restaurants. This boutique hotel is just blocks away from the beach, but if getting sand in your shoes isn’t on the itinerary, feel free to relax in one of two pools.
Staying with a local is also a really great way to save money. On Airbnb you can rent this beachfront private room for just $89 a night.
Myrtle Beach: $209 round-trip on Spirit Airlines
Myrtle Beach, S.C., is sunny and 70 degrees during the month of May -- need we say more?
Rooms at the Carolinian Beach Resort start at $200 a night, making the beachfront resort a budget-friendly and fun destination for a families. The hotel will schedule golf outings (with no green fees) and spa appointments for you. And the rate includes free unlimited water park admission.
Cheap destinations from Chicago:
Nashville: $128 round-trip on United Airlines
Concert hopping in Music City is the coolest way for music lovers to spend a long weekend. Nashville is home to more than 150 live music venues, including the Grand Ole Opry, which has welcomed some of the biggest names in country music. After indulging in some world-class bourbon and barbecue, head to one of a dozen hotels in downtown Nashville, with options from Hilton, Sheraton and Holiday Express starting at around $250 a night.
To save a few dollars, consider going the Airbnb route. This downtown apartment also costs $250 a night, but it sleeps four – so you can split the costs with your friends.
Charlotte: $92 round-trip on American Airlines
Charlotte has grown into a popular tourist destination, and with airfare starting at $92, it’s never been easier to make a spontaneous visit to North Carolina’s biggest city. Spend the day hiking at the Latta Nature Preserve before grabbing some soul food at Mert’s Heart and Soul restaurant in Uptown.
The Aloft Hotel, also located in Uptown, has rooms available for $149 a night over Memorial Day weekend. The price won’t hurt your wallet, and the best part is you don’t have to stray far to find entertainment. The hotel is located in the EpiCenter, a hotspot for shopping, dining and nightlife.
Cheap destinations from Dallas:
New Orleans: $139 round-trip on Spirit Airlines
The party in New Orleans never stops, which makes it the perfect spot to kick off summer. Stroll down Bourbon Street, groove to jazz music, and sample some Cajun seafood gumbo. Over Memorial Day weekend, visitors can also check out the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, a festival showcasing restaurants and wineries in the French Quarter.
There are plenty of big hotels in New Orleans, but for a chic stay consider The Hotel Modern. This boutique hotel’s eclectic décor and minimalist rooms make it stand out, even in a city as unique as NOLA. Rates for memorial day weekend start at $147 a night, and the price includes free Wi-Fi.
Las Vegas: $108 round-trip on Spirit Airlines
In just three hours you can fly from Dallas to Las Vegas for a Memorial Day weekend you won’t soon forget. Snag tickets to see J. Lo, or Celine Dion in concert, or splurge and rent a pool-side cabana at your favorite bar.
With so many options, finding an affordable hotel in Las Vegas can be a daunting experience. Enter the Trump International hotel, a 5-star, non-gaming, hotel with rooms starting at $159 a night. After a hectic day on the Las Vegas strip, relax next to the 110-foot heated pool.
Cheap destinations from Los Angeles:
Tucson: $142 round-trip on Delta, United, and American Airlines
From golf to rock climbing and horseback riding, Tucson is the perfect Memorial Day destination if you’re looking to take in the great outdoors.
For a real Southwest experience, stay at the impeccable Lodge on the Desert. The hacienda-style boutique hotel is an excellent getaway for couples, and with rates starting at $149, the price can’t be beat.
Seattle: $140 round-trip on Spirit Airlines
Sure, the average temperature in Seattle only reaches 65 degrees in May, but there is so much to see. Grab a light jacket and head to the fish market, gaze up at the Space Needle, or warm up in the Seattle Art Museum.
After spending the day walking around the Emerald City, kick up your feet and relax at The Hilton Garden Inn which has rooms starting at $229 a night.
Do you have questions about affordable destinations for Memorial Day? Email us at yfmoneymailbag@yahoo.com.