GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With Labor Day weekend nearly here, many West Michiganders are gearing up for their final vacation of the summer.
AAA provides tips and tricks to make your trip smoother, from the best travel destinations to the time you should hit the road.
AAA said domestic travel is up 9% in 2024, and that most Americans will be staying fairly close to home.
“Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA. “Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families. Because of that, others see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites.”
Destinations like Seattle, Orlando and New York City are among the best places to travel over Labor Day weekend, partially due to cooler temperatures and fewer travelers.
If you're planning to drive during your trip, there are some peak travel times you should plan around to avoid heavy traffic.
“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced they are pausing construction projects and opening closed lanes on Michigan’s highways this weekend.
These efforts are meant to decrease the amount of Labor Day traffic the state will see these next few days.
AAA does have some good news for drivers, though—gas prices are expected to be lower compared to last year's prices, with the average hovering around $3.40 per gallon.
You are also encouraged to get your car inspected before your trip, as AAA estimates about 300,000 drivers will be stranded over the holiday weekend.
“This will help ensure everything from your battery to brakes is in proper working order,” said AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland.
Find more travel tips for your holiday weekend here.