Get ready for record-breaking travel this Labor Day weekend and the days before and after. AAA predicts overall domestic travel is up 9% over last year, even breaking records for the Memorial Day weekend start of the 2024 peak summer travel season.
That’s fueled by lower gas prices , which means more road trips and more clogged roads.
Road Trips: Gas Prices Down
Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year.
The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50.
Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking.
Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September.
For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly.
See Also
How to Avoid Road Rage
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested.
Monitor traffic apps, local news stations and 511 traveler information services to help navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration and avoid road rage.
AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.
International Travel Down, Costs Up
Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities.
Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it.
AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP. Get one direct, and save the time and money of a a so-called service.
Top Labor Day Domestic Destinations
AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.
Top Labor Day International Destinations
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States.
About INRIX
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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