Memorial Day Survey Results: Many Virginia Readers Won't Travel

VIRGINIA — Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, usually bringing backyard parties, beach trips, parades and other events. This year is shaping up to be different due to the continuing impacts of the new coronavirus pandemic. An informal survey of Virginia Patch readers found few have travel plans this holiday weekend.

Among 177 readers who responded, 91 percent plan to stay home and 9 percent will travel. Of those who are traveling, the most common destinations are beaches or other out-of-state destinations, followed by other destinations in Virginia.

The survey, which was open from around noon Tuesday to noon on Thursday, is meant not to be a scientific poll but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment.

One explanation for the survey result is that our coverage area is largely Northern Virginia, which remains under a stay-at-home order. Virginia moved to phase one of reopening with "safer at home" guidance on May 15, except for Northern Virginia, city of Richmond and Accomack County on the Eastern Shore. Reopening for those areas could start as soon as May 29, but Gov. Ralph Northam has not committed to a date.

Readers' opinions are more mixed when asked if they would consider traveling for vacation during the summer. The survey found 37.3 percent would not consider traveling, 25.4 percent would travel, and 23.7 percent would consider if their area is no longer under a stay-at-home order. The remaining readers responded "other," many of which appeared to be undecided. For some, the decision will depend on the state of the pandemic.

Finally, the survey asked for additional comments on Memorial Day weekend and summer plans. A handful outlined vacation plans or support reopening.

One reader outlined plans to visit Virginia Beach with caution. The family plans to wear masks and practice social distancing, and they called the hotel to ask about safety precautions.

Others have canceled summer plans or may look to travel later in the summer. A few expressed willingness to travel if more places were open.

One reader wrote, "Everything will be different. We have to wait and see how socially conscious the majority of the travelling population is."

Another wrote, "We typically do not travel on Memorial Day weekend anyway (mainly to avoid traffic), so staying home this weekend isn't unusual. We do plan to travel in August, when we typically go on vacation anyway, although we may do so by car instead of by plane this time."

Numerous expressed worries about the beaches reopening or people not following social distancing guidelines. But some were hopeful that travelers will keep safety in mind.

"Right now we are staying safe at home and will probably do so for a long time," one reader wrote. "None of us want to get the virus which sounds horrible. I think this will be our new normal. Hope those venturing out to travel stay safe."

Memorial Day weekend travel will look different than it has years past, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. AAA won't issue a Memorial Day travel forecast for the first time in 20 years, "as the accuracy of the economic data used to create the forecast has been undermined by COVID-19." The association projected a record 1,077,600 holiday travelers from the DC metro area traveled 50 miles or more for the 2019 Memorial Day holiday weekend.

"As the country continues to practice social distancing, this year’s unofficial kick-off to summer is not going to drive the typical millions of Americans to travel," said John B. Townsend II, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Despite inexpensive gas prices, AAA anticipates this year’s holiday will likely set a record low for travel volume."