AAA expects a busy Labor Day weekend, highly encourages travel insurance

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com

Millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road, skies, and seas this Labor Day weekend, with many finding better deals than a year ago.

And after last week’s evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands due to the waves from Hurricane Erin serving as a good reminder, the auto club strongly recommends travelers purchase travel insurance ahead of any trip.

“Whether you’re heading out for Labor Day weekend or planning a future getaway, now is a great time to book,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Domestic travel costs are trending lower, and while international airfare is up slightly, travelers will find savings on hotels, rental cars and cruises abroad.”

AAA said domestic travelers are seeing the price of hotel multi-night stays down 11% to a nationwide average of $495 for the holiday weekend.

And with the height of hurricane season arriving, AAA advises those who purchase travel insurance to research and understand their policy’s details, compare options, and consider consulting a travel agent for personalized recommendations. 

“Especially during the busy Labor Day travel season, travel insurance offers peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your vacation, not worrying about what-ifs,” Haas said.

Drivers can expect stable fuel costs, with the national average for gas prices projected to hover near last year’s $3.33 a gallon.

Prices are expected to remain below 2024 levels unless impacted by Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Transportation analytics firm INRIX recommends motorists travel early in the day to avoid congestion, noting that Saturday afternoon and evening are expected to see the heaviest traffic.

For those taking to the air, round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $720, about 6% lower than last year, while multi-day car rentals are down 3% at $545.

Top destinations stretch from Seattle to Orlando and New York, while Vancouver leads international bookings, with strong interest also seen for European hotspots like Rome, Dublin and London.

International travelers will encounter mixed costs: airfare is up 8% to an average of $1,470, but overseas hotel bookings are slightly cheaper and rental cars are down 42%, now averaging $645. Cruise prices from international ports are also down 9%.

AAA’s top domestic destinations for the holiday weekend include Seattle, Orlando, New York, Boston and Anchorage. Internationally, Vancouver leads the list, followed by Rome, Dublin, London and Paris.