If you’re planning a trip on Labor Day, you’re not alone. According to AAA, this year’s record-breaking summer travel season will give way to an overall increase in domestic travel this upcoming holiday weekend.
Data collected by AAA on travel bookings shows that total domestic travel is expected to increase over Labor Day. 9% compared to the previous year, while the cost of travel within the United States increased by 2%. The data also shows that while people plan to spend the weekend in the more popular destinations such as Orlando, New York, Las Vegas and Boston, the number one destination this year is Seattle, which has more than 30% from last year. Other top destinations this year include Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska.
“This is the time of year to take an Alaska cruise,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “Compared to early summer, there are fewer crowds and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise that Alaska cruises are selling out this Labor Day weekend.”
While more people will travel domestically, international travel is declining 4%AAA booking data show that the cost of international travel has increased by 11%with most travelers heading to European cities.
AAA said travelers will also pay less for gasoline compared to last year. In 2023, the national average price of gasoline over Labor Day weekend was $3.81, while prices have remained stable this year and are expected to hover around $3.50, AAA said in a statement. The association added that overall demand for gasoline has fallen since the pandemic due to changes in driving habits. This, in turn, has helped prevent a price increase at the pump. But that could change if hurricanes hit the Gulf states and impact regional refineries.
Drivers preparing for a road trip should also consider the timing. According to AAA traffic data, drivers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours on Thursday and Friday at the start of Labor Day weekend, as these are the times when traffic congestion is most likely. For the trip home, it’s best to leave as early as possible on Sunday or Labor Day to avoid the bulk of the traffic.
“Drivers should expect the worst congestion before the holiday weekend as commuters mingle with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, traffic analyst at INRIX, a provider of traffic data and information, in a statement. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations and 511 travel information services can help drivers avoid congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”