Memorial Day is always one of the busiest travel days of the year and in 2017 it will hit a 12-year high. 34.6 million people are expected to be driving at least 50 miles during the end-of-month holiday period, the most since 37.3 million in 2005. The Memorial Day holiday period is defined as Thursday, May 25 through Monday, May 29. Drivers will also pay more at the pump this time around. The average price for a gallon of gas nationwide is roughly $2.36.