If you travel this labor dayexpect traffic.

AAA predicts There will be a 9% increase in travel this Labor Day weekend, causing severe congestion. As expected, the company is warning drivers to travel during off-peak hours if possible.

Based on data from INRIX, AAA recommends avoiding travel on Thursday and Friday evenings if possible. Traffic won’t be much better on Saturday morning, either.

“Drivers should expect the worst congestion before the holiday weekend, when commuters mingle with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, traffic analyst at INRIX.

If you travel During peak times, try to go during off-peak hours, such as after dinner on Thursday and Friday or on Saturday afternoons.

For the journey home, plan to depart on Sunday before 12 noon, on Monday before 10 a.m. or on Tuesday after 1 p.m.

According to AAA, Seattle, Washington state will be the most popular domestic travel destination, as many people begin their Alaska cruises there.

“This is the time of year to cruise Alaska,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “Compared to early summer, there are fewer crowds and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors!”

Seattle was the most popular Labor Day destination last year, and travel to the city is expected to increase by 30% this year.

“It’s no surprise that Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend,” Twidale said.

Other popular domestic destinations for the last long weekend of summer include Orlando, New York City, Boston and Las Vegas.

The good news for anyone driving to their destination is that the price of gasoline has dropped to about $3.50. This time last year it was still at $3.81.

According to AAA, international travel is down 4% this year. Eight of the top 10 international destinations are in Europe. The other two are Vancouver, Canada, and Mexicali, Mexico.