Labor Day Travel is Traditional End to Summer
Improving consumer mood will mean a busy weekend
There are some bright spots for Labor Day travel this year. Airfare is averaging 4 percent less than a year ago and gas prices have been inching downward from the May peak of $4.56 a gallon.
The improving economy is encouraging travelers to take advantage of the last long holiday weekend of the season. Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York are the top domestic destinations, while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris top the international list, according to AAA bookings. For the midwest, big cities like Kansas city, Chicago and Nashville are hot, while water destinations such as Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, also remain popular.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
For travelers taking those road trips, gas prices are higher compared to last year but considerably lower than four years ago. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $5.02 in the summer of 2022. This year’s holiday weekend gas prices could clock in at just under $4 per gallon. Economists point out that the national price of gas is inflated by states like California, New York, Illinois and Washington State, which have high fuel taxes and other fees. The price of gas in rural and suburban Missouri, for example, is about $3.64 per gallon. In Oklahoma it’s even cheaper.
AAA recomends drivers packing an emergency kit with water, snacks, first-aid supplies and essential tools such as flashlights and jumper cables also is important. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for flat tires, dead batteries and emergency towing.
Travel over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window. Many travelers leave after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday. This will bring holiday traffic onto roads that already are carrying normal commuter volumes. Experts recommend departing early, allowing additional time and avoiding the middle of the afternoon whenever possible. Leaving even an hour or two earlier can make a meaningful difference.
–Dwight Widaman
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