The Labor Day weekend is almost upon us, and the American Automobile Association (AAA) office in Syracuse projects 34.1 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

That is a 4.2 percent increase from the 32.7 million people who traveled last year.

They believe that this Friday will be the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend.

The total number of 2013 Labor Day holiday travelers is expected to reach a new post-recession high. The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, Aug. 29 to Monday, Sept. 2.

Automobile travel remains dominant mode of transportation

“AAA is forecasting a lift in Labor Day travel this year due positive economic indicators, including an improving housing market, lower unemployment and high consumer confidence,” said Tony Spada, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York.

“These forecasted numbers make it clear that many Americans are feeling comfortable about traveling this Labor Day holiday,” Spada said.

Highlights from 2013 AAA Labor Day Holiday Travel Forecast include:

• Labor Day holiday travelers to total 34.1 million, an increase of 4.2 percent from last year

• 85 percent of travelers (29.2 million) to travel by automobile, an increase of 4.3 percent from last year

• holiday air travel expected to increase nearly three percent to 2.61 million

• the largest share of travelers (46 percent) will depart on Friday, Aug. 30

• the largest share of travelers (43 percent) will return on Monday, Sept. 2

• the average traveler is expected to travel a round-trip distance of 594 miles and spend $804.

“The Labor Day holiday provides families with the opportunity for one final extended summer weekend getaway,” said Spada. “AAA reminds drivers as they head out on the road that safety should remain top of mind. It is important to remain distraction-free and keep their mind on the task of driving.”

Gas prices are unlikely to be a major factor for people traveling this Labor Day. The national average price for gas on Labor Day 2012 was $3.83 per gallon, the most expensive average ever on record for the holiday. The current national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.54, 21 cents lower than last year. In New York State, a gallon of gas is averaging $3.83, down 13 cents from last year.

The largest share of travelers (46 percent) on a single day will depart on Friday, Aug. 30 and the largest share will return on Monday (43 percent).

More than 2.61 million leisure travelers (8 percent) will arrive at their destination by air, a slight increase (2.8 percent) from last year’s 2.54 million air travelers. The remaining 7 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.

The average distance traveled by Americans during the Labor Day holiday weekend is expected to be 594 miles, which is 32 miles less than last year’s average of 626 miles. Median spending during the Labor Day holiday weekend is expected to grow to $804, compared to $749 last year. Travelers expect to spend 24 percent of their budget on transportation and lodging and 21 percent on food and beverages.

During the holiday weekend the most popular activities will be dining (57 percent), visiting with friends and family (46 percent) and shopping (43 percent).

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, weekend daily car rental rates will average $51 or 32 percent more than last year’s average of $39. Airfares increased four percent with an average lowest round-trip rate of $214 for the top 40 U.S. air routes compared to $205 last year. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase four percent to an average of $161 per night compared to $154 last year. The average hotel rate for AAA Two Diamond hotels are expected to drop two percent with an average cost of $115 per night.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 860,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services.

Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

There is more info at www.AAA.com, including mobile apps.