Thursday, April 25, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
The American Automobile Association projects 33 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a 2.9 percent increase from the 32.1 million people who …
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The American Automobile Association projects 33 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a 2.9 percent increase from the 32.1 million people who traveled last year.
The total number of 2012 Labor Day holiday travelers is expected to reach a new post-recession high and is the third increase in holiday travel this year. AAA’s Memorial Day and Independence Day holiday travel forecasts projected increases of 1.2 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.
Despite a sluggish economy and recent rises in gas prices, the increase in expected Labor Day holiday weekend travelers is driven by improving consumer confidence compared to one year ago and American’s unwavering desire to travel, according to AAA. The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 3.
“The Labor Day holiday weekend is often the last chance for people to visit family and friends before the summer ends,” said Tony Spada, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “This projection shows that travel is still a priority for Americans, and it is within their discretionary spending budget.”
A survey of intended travelers found that 66 percent said their current financial situation would not negatively impact their Labor Day holiday weekend travel plans. Of the remaining 34 percent of travelers who said their current finances would impact their travel plans, 21 percent will economize in other areas, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, and the remaining four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation.
Gas prices have fluctuated and been particularly sensitive to regional variations throughout much of the year. On April 15, motorists in Syracuse experienced year-to-date peak average price of $4.09 per gallon for regular gasoline. The current average in Syracuse is $3.86 per gallon, 23 cents lower than the April peak. The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.71, while the New York State average sits at $3.94.
As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, increases in gas prices could cause some travelers to alter their plans. Conversely, falling prices could spur last-minute travel increases.
