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Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Is Back, And Freeways Are Packed
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GarySe7en
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LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
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A year ago, in the midst of COVID-19 shutdowns and travel restrictions, most people stayed home for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
But this year, the situation is completely different, with restrictions starting to lift.
Expect our local freeways to be packed, said Marie Montgomery Nordhues of the Automobile Club of Southern California.
“We're anticipating 2.89 million Southern Californias taking trips,” she said. “That's a 64% increase over last year. Obviously last year was quite devastating in terms of the travel industry.”
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Nordhues said the top destination this year is Zion National Park in Utah, followed by Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, San Diego and Yosemite.
"A lot of people want to be out in the great outdoors. They feel a little safer that way — they can control their environment, they can socially distance and so forth,” she said.
One thing to keep in mind: Regular gas is averaging around $4.20 a gallon in the L.A. area; that's the highest Memorial Day price since 2014.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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