When should you leave? The best and worst times for traffic over Labor Day Weekend 2024

As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers are gearing up for one last summer getaway .

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 2, marking the end of a record-breaking travel season. Travel during the final long weekend of summer will be busy within the U.S., with domestic travel up by 9% from last year, according to AAA.

Those driving to their destination can expect heavy traffic, especially during peak travel hours. However, they can at least enjoy lower gas prices, with the national average being about $0.20 less than last year's holiday weekend.

This year, international travel is down 4% from 2023, likely due to rising costs. According to AAA booking numbers, international travel for Labor Day weekend 2024 costs 11% more than last year.

Here's what travelers can expect for Labor Day weekend 2024.

What are the most popular domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend 2024?

This year, many U.S. travelers are heading toward Seattle with bookings for the Emerald City up nearly 30% from last year, according to AAA's booking data. Some will be continuing on to Alaska, with Anchorage and Juneau also topping the list for the most popular U.S. end-of-summer destinations.

"This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruises ,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. "There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend."

What are the most popular international destinations for Labor Day weekend 2024?

Just north of the Canadian-U.S. border, Vancouver tops the list for the most popular international destination, according to AAA. Following closely behind are beloved European destinations including Rome, London, Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What are the worst times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?

The roads will be most congested during the afternoons of Thursday, Aug. 29, and Friday, Aug. 30, and early evening and morning of Saturday, Aug. 31. Returning home from the long weekend, drivers can anticipate the worst traffic during the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, and the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 3.

"Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement. "Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day."

What are the best times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?

If you're hoping to avoid traffic jams, plan to hit the road at night or the early morning. The best times to drive for Labor Day weekend include before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, before noon or after 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, and after noon on Saturday, Aug. 31.

For returning home, depart before noon on Sunday, Sept. 1, before 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, or after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When should you leave? The best and worst times for traffic over Labor Day Weekend 2024