With a scorching late May weekend and a bank holiday surge, travel patterns are shifting for both the UK and US. Heatwaves, border checks, fuel costs, and airport uncertainty are all playing into how people plan their trips. Below are the top questions readers are likely to search for, with quick, clear answers to help you plan—whether you’re packing for the coast, planning a border-crossing road trip, or choosing the fastest route home.
Heatwaves and long weekends push more people onto the roads, rails, and skies. In the UK, nearly 19 million drivers are forecast to travel over the late May bank holiday, with coastal routes and port towns seeing the heaviest traffic. In the US, millions are expected to hit the roads for Memorial Day weekend, with car travel leading the surge. If you’re planning a trip, expect heavier congestion on popular routes and consider off-peak times or alternative routes to save time.
Border checks at Dover are a key factor this holiday season due to the Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout. Expect longer queues and additional processing times for cross-Channel travel. If you’re crossing into the UK or returning to the US, factor in extra time, check border wait estimates, and keep digital documents ready. Staying updated on EES guidance can help you avoid delays at peak times.
Yes. Higher fuel costs push travelers to optimize routes and consider refueling stops more carefully. In airports, engineering works and reliability concerns can disrupt schedules, prompting travelers to allow extra connection time, pack lighter, and plan flexible itineraries. Having a backup plan for transport modes (car, rail, flight) can reduce stress if schedules shift.
Car travel remains strong across the UK and US, especially along routes to beaches, coastlines, and major transport hubs. In the UK, major coastal corridors and port areas see the heaviest traffic, while US regions with iconic long highway routes and holiday destinations show elevated volumes. Rail and air travel are active but often impacted by maintenance works and border/clearance procedures, so plan ahead.
Plan ahead: check traffic and border wait times, book rail and flight slots where possible, and consider off-peak times for driving. Pack smart with essential extras (water, snacks, chargers) and keep digital copies of travel documents. If you can, depart early or late to dodge the peak traffic windows, and have a flexible backup plan for routes or transport modes.
Forecasts come from transport authorities and industry data (e.g., The Guardian, AAA, INRIX). They provide a snapshot of expected volumes but can shift with weather, accidents, or new border developments. Use forecasts as a guide, check real-time updates before and during travel, and stay ready to adapt plans if conditions change.
Almost 19m drivers expected on roads over bank holiday weekend, with heaviest traffic on Friday and Saturday