AAA is projecting the highest travel volume in seven years for this Labor Day holiday weekend.
The organization predicts that 169,000 Delawareans plan to celebrate with a final trip before summer comes to a close, with 87 percentgoing by car.
AAA spokesman Jim Lardear says while some folks will stay close to home for cookouts, many others will be heading out of town.
“You still want to be aware that a lot of destinations are going to see increased travel so if you have that ability in your schedule to flex your time that you’re going to leave or come back from the beaches maybe you should do that,” said Lardear
Nationally, AAA projects 35.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, the highest travel volume for the holiday since 2008 and a one percent increase over 2014.
Lardear attributes the increase to low prices at the pump.
“Gas prices were low throughout the summer which helps people feel a little bit more confident about their spending and that gives them the ability to travel a little bit further and maybe stay a little bit longer; gives them a little more discretion to anchor themselves,” said Lardear.
AAA reports the current average price for a gallon of regular in Delaware is $2.27. It’s $2.17 in New Jersey, $2.38 in Maryland and $2.48 in P-A.
The Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, September 3 to Monday, September 7.
AAA advises checking routes ahead of time and visiting a mechanic for a simple tune up to avoid any roadside breakdowns.