AAA Predicts Busy Labor Day Travel

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - For many, the end of the month will mean a long three day weekend thanks to Labor Day.

"Labor Day travel is forecast to finish the summer with a bang," said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. "Gas prices are down and consumer spending is up, which should help generate the most travelers for the Labor Day holiday since the record setting 45 million in 2008.

AAA Travel projects 34.7 million Americans will take a trip 50 miles or more from home during the holiday weekend, the highest volume for the holiday since 2008 and a 1.3 percent increase over 2013.

The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, August 28 to Monday, September 1.

In Florida, AAA predicts 1.5 million will travel by car and nearly 132,00 will catch a flight. Another 88,000 will travel by train, bus or ship.

For those hitting the road, there won't be a last minute surprise at the pump. AAA said drivers are paying the lowest gas prices for early August since 2010.

"Barring a major development, such as a Gulf Coast hurricane, prices are likely to remain relatively low leading up to the holiday weekend compared to recent years," Jenkins continued. "This will allow travelers to allocate more of their budgets towards travel expenses."

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.44 Wednesday, compared to $3.59 on Labor Day last year.

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