Travelers Expected To Save Big On Gas Prices This Memorial Day Wekeend

42 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles of more from home this Memorial Day Weekend, according to AAA. The vast majority will drive, and gas is cheaper this year. AAA says prices at the pump are down about $1 a gallon compared to a year ago.

"That means, collectively, over the Memorial Day 4-day weekend, Americans are going to be spending $1.6 billion less on gasoline compared to last year," says Patrick DeHaan from Gasbuddy.com.

He predicts prices could remain steady for a while. "Barring hurricanes or unexpected disruptions, gas prices should be affordable for much of the summer," DeHaan says.

This summer is expected to be very busy at the airports. People looking to fly overseas are finding higher prices. But, according to the travel site Hopper.com, domestic tickets are down about 19% from last summer. And travelers taking off early in the week can save even more.

"Typically, domestic airfares anywhere from $50 to $100 cheaper, departing Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," says Hopper.com Lead Economist Hayley Berg.

Getting to the destination may be cheaper, but staying is more expensive. Hotel rates this summer are up 11% from last year, according to Hopper.com.

"You can find better deals, especially if you book at the last minute in major cities and stay off the beaten track outside of the main downtown areas." And Berg says another way to save is put off flying until the fall, when airfares are expected to be about 30% cheaper.