Labor Day Travel Expected to Slow This Year

Last year’s Labor Day weekend was the busiest of the decade, so with a global recession in place and a later September 7 date this year, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that AAA is predicting a drop. But with approximately 39.1 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, this holiday would be the third-busiest of the decade and busier than this past Fourth of July. The Air Transport Association (ATA) already predicted a drop in air travel.

Why are so many people traveling during such a difficult economic climate? AAA points mainly to gas prices, which at $2.60 per gallon are a full dollar below last Labor Day’s cost. AAA also projects airfare will be around 17 percent below last year, while rates for the AAA three- and two-diamond-rated hotels will drop by about 12 percent. In fact, AAA suggests the only factor keeping this year’s holiday from equaling last year’s is the lateness of it, which means many kids will be back in school already.

So readers, what about you? Are you heading out for a long weekend, or maybe building a longer trip around the day off? Staying close to home or hitting the beach? Did you find any deals that you simply couldn’t pass up? Leave a comment below and share your plans for the holiday. Thanks!