Americans are expected to get away in record numbers over the long Memorial Day weekend even as economic and technical worries rattle the U.S. Auto club AAA predicts over 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles home between Thursday and Monday.

The Houston Life team traveled down south to Galveston to give you the BEST guide for holiday family fun on the island.

Break out the beads! Mardi Gras is back in Galveston!

Galveston has welcomed the Lone Star Rally since 2001. More than 400,000 motorcycle enthusiasts made their way to the island in one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the country once again after the major event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

It’s a big weekend on Galveston as the first Carnival Cruise Line ship prepares to set sail from the island since the pandemic brought cruises to a halt in March of 2020.

GALVESTON COUNTY – This is the first weekend since Texas has reopened at 100% capacity and the state’s mask mandate was lifted. For many, this is also the beginning of spring break - and Galveston is often one of the top spots for visitors. Galveston’s tourism officials said they are planning for a busy spring break on the Island. The sand and surf are the exact reason Maria Hernandez and her family decided to visit Galveston for spring break this year. Ad“The people here are so loving and caring,” Hernandez saidCity officials said they expect things to pick up next week when most of the Houston area is on spring break.