For Labor Day, expect heavy traffic, AAA says. Where people are headed

As communities around the country prepare to enjoy the last days of summer, travel data shows that more people are spending those days overseas.

According to AAA data, international travel over the upcoming Labor Day weekend is 11% higher than the same time last year . Europe seems to be a popular destination for these families traveling abroad, with eight out of 10 international destinations being cities across the region.

"While road trips are still the most popular Labor Day getaway, many people are taking advantage of the long weekend and planning something extra special,” says Bevi Powell, senior vice president of AAA East Central. “Trips to Europe come in many forms, including river cruises and small group tours, and all are unforgettable.”

Popular European destinations this weekend include Rome, London, Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens and Edinburgh. Some popular spots outside of Europe include trips to Vancouver, Canada, or Mexicali, Mexico.

Domestic destinations are also still popular, with typical vacation spots such as Orlando, Las Vegas, New York and Boston remaining strong on the list. Seattle is this year's top city to visit, with bookings up 30% from last year, but Anchorage, Alaska , is continuing to see success in recent years as a destination for local travelers.

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INRIX: Higher traffic is expected around local cities during the holiday weekend

Going into the weekend, traffic is expected to surge as motorists prepare to depart on their vacations or take weekend trips in their cars. While the morning traffic is not expected to be calm, the afternoons will likely be busy in metro areas and cause some traffic delays.

Travel forecasts from INRIX said Saturday travel is the opposite: the best times to travel that day will be in the afternoon after the morning traffic clears the roads. For those looking to return before Labor Day, the traffic will be the least congested on Sunday morning, with traffic jams expected later in the day.

According to the traffic forecast, INRIX predicts the following for traffic congestion:

• Thursday, Aug. 29 - Worst between 1 to 7:30 p.m., best before 11 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 30 - Worst between 2 to 6 p.m., best before noon and after 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 31 - Worst between 8 to 11 a.m., best after noon
• Sunday, Sept. 1 - Worst between 2 to 8 p.m., best before noon
• Monday, Sept. 2 - Worst between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., best before 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 3 - Worst between 8 a.m. to noon, best after 1 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: For Labor Day, expect heavy traffic, AAA says. Where people are headed