Memorial Day: What’s Open and Closed This Year
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, has been a day to honor the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, this day has evolved into one of the busiest weekends for shopping and travel in the United States.
Here’s a quick look at what will be open and closed this Memorial Day:
Government Offices
Most government buildings, including offices, post offices, courts, and schools, will be closed for the holiday.
Banks and Financial Markets
Banks and U.S. stock markets will also shut their doors on Memorial Day. While most FedEx and UPS services will not be available, some specialized services might still operate.
Retail Stores
While Costco will remain closed, many other retailers will welcome shoppers, offering significant sales to attract customers. It’s best to check local hours, as they may differ from place to place.
Travel Trends
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer travel, with an expected surge in travel among Americans this year. The AAA forecasts that over 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home from Thursday through Monday, driving a record high for this holiday weekend.
With gas prices currently averaging $3.18 per gallon—down from $3.60 last year—traveling by car remains the top choice for most. Approximately 39.4 million people plan to hit the road, the highest figure recorded since tracking began in 2000. Additionally, around 3.61 million travelers will board flights, showing a slight increase over last year’s numbers.
However, concerns about air travel safety have been on many travelers’ minds after a tragic midair collision in January. Recent issues with flight delays and cancellations, due to factors like a shortage of air traffic controllers, have made some people hesitant to fly.
As Memorial Day approaches, travelers and shoppers can prepare for a weekend full of activities while remembering the importance of this day.
