AAA projects a record 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday between May 21-25, 2026 — marginally higher than 2025. The auto club expects 39.1 million people to drive, with pump prices at their highest levels since 2022, and warns of peak congestion on May 21-22 (3-6 p.m.) and Monday afternoon, May 25; Sunday should be the lightest travel day. Air travel is forecast for 3.66 million passengers (about 8% of travelers), with round-trip domestic fares roughly 6% cheaper year-over-year. Travel by bus, train and cruise is also rising — about 2.2 million people, up 5%, with Alaska cruise demand noted as a key driver. Top U.S. destinations by AAA bookings include Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, Miami and San Francisco; top international spots include Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London and Athens. AAA cites strong leisure demand despite higher fuel costs as the primary factor behind the record projection.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has reiterated that he is considering withdrawing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, a move reported and discussed with industry groups on May 25, 2026. The U.S. Travel Association said it confirmed Mullin raised the option in a meeting and warned the action could have “devastating consequences” for airlines, tourism-dependent communities and the flow of international cargo. Airlines for America echoed the concern, saying reduced CBP staffing at major airports would cause significant operational disruption. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told lawmakers he was unfamiliar with Mullin’s remarks and questioned the policy’s rationale. Administration support appears unclear; courts previously struck down efforts to withhold funding from sanctuary cities. The Justice Department’s list of jurisdictions described as “sanctuary” remains a potential reference for any targeting. Industry groups warn the proposal risks disrupting international flights, harming tourism receipts and complicating cargo processing at affected U.S. airports.

Retailers and travel editors are pushing wrinkle‑resistant garments and capsule-packing strategies ahead of the summer season. On May 24, People highlighted Amazon’s Memorial Day sale featuring lightweight, wrinkle‑free pieces — maxi dresses, tees, jumpsuits and palazzo pants — with discounts up to 55% and prices starting around $9. Travel + Leisure (May 23–24) published multiple roundups recommending seven to 15 versatile items (linen shirts, wide‑leg pants, a UPF‑50 cami‑one‑piece, shorts and a skirt) that can create 14+ outfits for carry‑on‑only trips, with quoted price points from about $36 to $54. Articles emphasize mix‑and‑match sets, petite‑friendly sizing, pockets and fabrics that hold up in suitcases, and note celeb and consumer interest in more travel‑friendly wardrobes. The pieces are pitched as practical for long flights, European itineraries and resort travel, promising polished looks straight from luggage without ironing.

Toronto is gearing up to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 12 to July 2, including Canada’s opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at the renovated BMO Field—rebranded as “Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place” after a $146-million makeover that added 17,000 temporary seats and raised capacity to about 45,000. The city will stage official FIFA Fan Festival sites at Fort York and The Bentway, with about 80% of tickets distributed free and limited premium access; other large public viewing areas include Harbourfront Centre and an adidas Brand Hub at STACKT Market that can host roughly 1,200 fans daily. Bell Media holds exclusive Canadian broadcast rights (TSN, CTV, RDS). Tourism and hotel groups expect a positive economic impact—Destination Toronto forecasts roughly 80% occupancy for June and July—despite reports of a lack of a sharp surge in bookings and FIFA cancellations of thousands of hotel reservations in host cities. Toronto has allocated a $380-million budget for the tournament, while FIFA previously estimated up to $940 million in potential economic output for the Greater Toronto Area.

U.S. travelers faced a busy Memorial Day weekend as forecast updates and transportation reports warned of heavy demand and spotty weather. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano outlined variable conditions nationwide heading into the holiday, with localized thunderstorms possible in parts of the Midwest and Southeast and calmer conditions across portions of the West and Northeast. Transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reported a record number of Americans expected to travel by air and road beginning May 22–23, straining airport operations, rental car inventories and key highway corridors. Officials and carriers urged early arrivals at airports, flexible itineraries and checks on weather-related advisories; some flights and ground services were expected to see delays. The combined travel-and-weather picture raised safety and logistical concerns for commuters, family trips and tourism-dependent businesses during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Seven acres in the famously named unincorporated town of Hell, Michigan, are on the market for $625,000, offering buyers the “Gateway to Hell” parcel and an established novelty tourism business. The package includes two buildings (about 3,600 sq ft), a souvenir shop/ice cream parlour known as The Crematory, a devil-themed miniature golf course, a wedding chapel, and associated branded assets operated under HellMI LLC. Owner John Colone, 80, has listed the property to retire after running the site since 1998. The listing reports gross income of roughly $327,000 in 2024, and the site draws tour buses and national attention for its tongue-in-cheek attractions and event bookings; the town also hosts the Hell Saloon music venue. Located roughly 20 miles northwest of Ann Arbor, Hell traces its name to the 1830s and has longstanding viral and merchandising appeal. The sale transfers both physical land and an established brand that has been marketed as a multifaceted revenue generator with seasonal footfall and social-media visibility.