Daytona Beach, FL – If you’re hitting the road for Labor Day weekend, expect to see lots of company.
AAA is projecting that 35.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday weekend, the highest volume since 2008 and a 1% increase from the 35 million in 2014.
If that prediction holds true, it’ll be the 4th consecutive year of overall travel growth for the Labor Day holiday period and 7th one in the last 9 years to see a year-over-year volume increase.
“Historically, more Americans have shown a higher tendency to travel when Labor Day weekend begins in August,” said Brent Stahlheber, AAA Senior Vice President for Brand Marketing and Travel. “Although this year’s holiday begins in September, AAA still expects more Labor Day travelers than last year, primarily due to low gas prices, solid income gains, rising household net worth and an improving housing market.”
The majority of travelers – 30.4 million – are expected to go by car, where they could find the lowest Labor Day gas prices since 2004.
The current average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Daytona Beach area is $2.27. That’s 2 cents below Florida’s current average and 17 cents under the national average.
Those that do hit the road are expected to do more spending. AAA says the average American has a disposable income boost of 3.5% compared to last year, mostly thanks to a strong labor market and prices staying mostly the same.
Hotel rates are expected to average higher this Labor Day holiday, while the cost of a flight is slightly lower, according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index.
The Labor Day traveling period is defined as between Thursday (September 3rd) and Monday (September 7th).
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.