Labor Day Travel Expected to Slow This Year

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Last year’s Labor Day weekend was the busiest of the decade, so with a global recession in place and a later September 7 date this year, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that AAA is predicting a drop. But with approximately 39.1 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles from home, this holiday would be the third-busiest of the decade and busier than this past Fourth of July. The Air Transport Association (ATA) already predicted a drop in air travel.

Why are so many people traveling during such a difficult economic climate? AAA points mainly to gas prices, which at $2.60 per gallon are a full dollar below last Labor Day’s cost. AAA also projects airfare will be around 17 percent below last year, while rates for the AAA three- and two-diamond-rated hotels will drop by about 12 percent. In fact, AAA suggests the only factor keeping this year’s holiday from equaling last year’s is the lateness of it, which means many kids will be back in school already.

So readers, what about you? Are you heading out for a long weekend, or maybe building a longer trip around the day off? Staying close to home or hitting the beach? Did you find any deals that you simply couldn’t pass up? Leave a comment below and share your plans for the holiday. Thanks!

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