The early May Bank Holiday on May 4, 2026, is set to be one of the busiest in years, with around 19 million leisure trips expected across the UK. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Aldi, and Sainsbury's will operate on reduced hours, with many stores closing earlier than usual. For example, Tesco's large stores will be open from 8am to 6pm, while Aldi stores will close at 8pm instead of the usual 10pm. The RAC predicts that Saturday will see the peak traffic, with over four million journeys anticipated, particularly on routes like the M5. Despite rising fuel costs, many drivers are determined to make the most of the long weekend. Rail passengers should also prepare for possible disruptions, especially at major stations like Liverpool Lime Street and London's Charing Cross due to scheduled engineering work. Planning ahead is crucial for both shoppers and travelers to navigate the busy weekend effectively.