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These are the best and worst times to drive


These are the best and worst times to drive

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  • The last long weekend of summer will see a lot of travel in the United States, with domestic travel up 9% year-over-year.
  • This year, international travel will decline by 4% compared to 2023, likely due to rising costs.
  • The roads will be busiest on the afternoon of Thursday 29 August and Friday 30 August, and the early evening and morning of Saturday 31 August.

Labor Day weekend is approaching and travelers are preparing for one last summer vacation.

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, marking the end of a record-breaking travel season. The last long weekend of summer sees a lot of travel in the U.S., with domestic travel up 9% year over year, according to AAA.

Those driving to their destination can expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. But they can at least look forward to lower gas prices. The national average was about $0.20 lower than last year’s holiday weekend.

This year, international travel is down 4% compared to 2023, likely due to rising costs. According to AAA booking figures, international travel on Labor Day weekend 2024 will cost 11% more than last year.

This is what travelers can expect on Labor Day weekend 2024.

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

This year, many U.S. travelers are heading to Seattle. According to AAA booking data, bookings for the Emerald City are up nearly 30% year over year. Some will travel further to Alaska, and Anchorage and Juneau also top the list of most popular U.S. destinations at the end of summer.

“This is the time of year to take an Alaska cruise,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “Compared to early summer, tourist crowds are thinner and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise that Alaska cruises are selling out this Labor Day weekend.”

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

Vancouver, located north of the Canada-US border, tops the list of most popular international destinations according to AAA, followed closely by popular European destinations such as Rome, London, Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

When is the worst time to drive on Labor Day weekend 2024?

The roads will be busiest on the afternoon of August 29 and August 30, and the early evening and morning of August 31. After the long weekend, drivers can expect the worst traffic on the afternoon of September 1, September 2 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., and the morning of September 3.

“Drivers should expect the worst congestion before the holiday weekend as commuters mingle with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, traffic analyst at INRIX, in a statement. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations and 511 travel information services can help drivers avoid congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

When is the best time to drive on Labor Day weekend 2024?

To avoid traffic congestion, consider traveling at night or early in the morning. The best times to drive during Labor Day weekend are before 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, before noon or after 7 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and after noon on Saturday, August 31.

To return home, departure is required on Sunday 1 September before 12:00 noon, Monday 2 September before 10:00 a.m. or Tuesday 3 September after 1:00 p.m.

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