BOISE – As we approach the end of summer, AAA says that cheaper prices will motivate millions of Americans to take advantage of the opportunity for one last hurrah.

“While we don’t make specific projections for Labor Day as we do for most major holidays, we saw old records shattered for Memorial Day and the 4th of July this year,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “This holiday weekend could be another very busy one.”

AAA predicts two waves of heavy traffic congestion – Thursday and Friday afternoon, when vacationers will share the road with the evening commute, and all of Saturday, when other families will leave town for shorter day trips or weekend getaways.

“Labor Day is constrained by school schedules, so everybody will be coming back on Monday afternoon,” Conde said.  “Whichever day you travel, getting an early start is key.”

Labor Day top travel destinations

  1. Seattle, WA
  2. Anaheim, CA
  3. Las Vegas, NV
  4. Salt Lake City, UT
  5. Boston, MA
  6. San Diego, CA
  7. Honolulu, HI
  8. Anchorage, AK
  9. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  10. New York, NY

Lower prices entice Labor Day travelers

According to AAA national booking data:

  • Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend than a year ago
  • Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper than a year ago
  • Car rental rates are 3% cheaper than a year ago

“If you were comfortable with the cost of travel last year, things are looking pretty good this time around,” Conde said.  “Gas prices have also been less expensive this year, so hopefully families have more room in the travel budget for another activity or meal out on their trip.”

AAA to the rescue

AAA plans to respond to as many as 394,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide over the holiday weekend, including 730 here in Idaho.

“Don’t wait until the last minute!  This week is the perfect opportunity to get a pre-trip vehicle inspection from a trusted mechanic,” Conde said.  “And don’t forget to top off your tire pressure and engine fluids – in fact, your usual oil change place may have a free top-off policy.”

More AAA travel tips

  • Pack water and protein snacks for everyone.
  • If you’re flying, download the airline app to keep track of updates and important information.
  • Leave early, whether you’re heading to the airport or on a road trip.
  • Get plenty of sleep before you start your trip.
  • Bring a towel in case you need to kneel on hot asphalt to check a tire or look under your car.

If you plan to do camping, arrive early to take advantage of limited ‘walk-up’ sites.