When it comes to traffic, car travelers should avoid the most congested afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, according to the AAA, citing INRIX, a provider of transportation data and advice.
— an announcement from AAA Northeast
Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday, when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon.
Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.
“The most severe traffic jams over holiday weekends almost always come as commuters mix with travelers,” said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “Road trippers can pave the way for smooth drives by strategically planning their departures around the best times to hit the road.”
Gas Prices
Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year.
The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81 – significantly higher than $3.50, where the national average has hovered in recent weeks. The current average in Connecticut is $3.41.
Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. The wildcard? Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September.
Popular Destinations
While European destinations remain incredibly popular among travelers, international travel for the holiday weekend is down 4% compared to last year, with the cost to travel internationally up 11%.
