Expect Heavier Traffic Over Labor Day Weekend

Expect more traffic on highways over Labor Day weekend as more families hit the road. AAA expects a 10.3% increase in traffic compared with last year, citing improved economic activity that allows more people to kick back and relax.

Nearly 31.4 million people will take to the roads during this travel period, which spans Sept. 2 to Sept. 6, AAA predicts. Last year, about 28.5 million travelers took to the roads. For the holiday weekend, AAA travel agents are reporting more than 10% growth in reservations for hotel, car and vacation packages compared with last year, AAA said.

The average distance traveled will be about 635 miles (that includes all types of travel, not just motor vehicles), which is slightly less than a year ago. The average vacationing family will spend about $697 this holiday, or $50 more than last year.

The U.S. travel industry began to see improved sales in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the momentum should continue throughout 2010, AAA says. Another interesting note is the day that Labor Day falls on: The earlier in September the holiday occurs, the more likely people will use the time off to travel, according to AAA.