Gas prices down, last-minute travel up for Labor Day weekend, AAA says

More travel is expected by driving for Labor Day this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and drivers around the country are seeing some of the lowest gas prices in four years, according to AAA.

While the automobile club is not making any travel predictions for the holiday weekend, officials do expect more spur-of-the-moment travel.

“We’re seeing a surge in families planning last-minute trips for the holiday weekend,” John Townsend, manager of public and government affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic, told WTOP. “We’re seeing an upsurge in the number of requests for road trip travel tools at AAA, such as travel guidebooks, maps and TripTiks.”

The majority of travel, 97%, will be by automobile, officials said.

“With travel restrictions lifting but social distancing still recommended, it’s no surprise,” Jeanette Casselano, director of public relations for AAA, told Patch. “And an added benefit right now – gas prices remain low.”

In addition to social distancing and other coronavirus precautions that could vary by location, officials are warning that with an increase in traffic drivers should maintain safe driving practices.

“Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to traveling during this pandemic,” Skyler McKinley, a AAA Colorado spokesman, said in a statement. “But it’s much more than just protecting yourself from the virus. With Labor Day set to spike traffic on our roadways, travelers need to make safe decisions while behind the wheel. Buckle up, slow down, and avoid distracted and impaired driving and you can dramatically reduce the odds of a fatal crash.”

Cox Media Group