AAA Predicts 9% Increase in Labor Day Travel

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - AAA predicts a 9% jump in holiday travel this Labor Day Weekend, with 85- to- 90% of those traveling hitting the roadways.

“Not everyone travels for Labor Day because kids are back in school,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson in Virginia. “But many people try to squeeze in one last three-day weekend to end summer, while others may take off the week after Labor Day to kick off 'shoulder season' travel, which can mean lower travel costs and fewer crowds at many destinations in the United States and abroad.”

While more people are expected to travel, AAA says the cost of travel is down 2%.

“Those lower costs this year are led by domestic airfare, which is 2% lower than last year, and rental cars, down 16% in price,” said AAA spokesperson Morgan Dean. “Domestic hotels, however, are running 7% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, according to AAA Travel bookings.”

If you’re traveling this weekend, you’ll likely see more state troopers on patrol as part of Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for Crash Awareness Reduction Effort. The state-sponsored program is intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt.