PLYMOUTH, Wis. — The summer travel season is on the horizon.

According to AAA’s 2023 Memorial Day Travel Forecast, more than 800,000 Wisconsinites will travel more than 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day weekend. This means the summer tourism season is expected to start off strong.

This year, flights and hotels are significantly more expensive than in recent years, as travel demand rises. It could lead more people to stick close to home and give rise to more day-tripping. 

Plymouth, in Sheboygan County, is one community that could see an increase in visitors this summer. Located between Milwaukee and Green Bay, it already is a popular place for people to make a one-day trip. 

This summer, the number of visitors could rise. While the actual impact remains to be seen, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Hauser said the city is taking steps to cater to the day trip traveler. 

“We put together itineraries for people coming for short trips, either day trip or weekend trip, things to do around the area, both indoor and outdoor, so there are plenty of options for everyone coming in just for a short visit,” said Hauser. 

Local businesses could see a benefit from increased foot traffic. Jackie Pottratz owns Allechant Boutique, a women’s clothing store located in the heart of downtown. Pottratz said she sees visitors almost daily from places like suburban Milwaukee and Green Bay. She hopes a rise in day trip visitors would be good for business. 

 “We love meeting people, conversing with people, Not even the selling them things, just the conversing with them and finding out about the area they live,” said Pottratz. “It helps us make a living. That is a very important part of this, it’s my livelihood.”

Tourism directors in other parts of Sheboygan County said they hope to see an increase in day trip visitors this summer, including in Elkhart Lake and the city of Sheboygan.