Labor Day weekend travel is expected to be up in Delaware. Nearly 90,000 Delawareans are projected to travel over Labor Day weekend, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, Wilmington. This is an increase of 2.9 percent from last year, and in line with national figures. Across the U.S., AAA expects 34.1 million people to travel, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2012.
“AAA is forecasting a lift in Labor Day travel this year due to an increasingly positive economic outlook, with key indicators (such as unemployment and the housing market) rebounding as the year goes on,” said Jim Lardear, director of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “For many Americans, positive economic growth, coupled with decreasing gas prices, contribute to an increased comfort level about traveling for the last three-day weekend of summer. And as schools across the nation usher in their next session of students, the Labor Day holiday provides families with the opportunity for one final extended summer weekend getaway.”
About 77,000 Delawareans plan to drive to their Labor Day destination. This is a 3.1 percent increase from last year and represents 87 percent of total holiday weekend travelers. Motorists in Delaware will pay $3.52 (as of Tuesday, per gallon to fill up this year, compared to $3.76 over the 2012 Labor Day holiday weekend. Gas prices are unlikely to be a major factor for consumers in determining whether they will travel over the last summer holiday.
