More people are slated to travel this Labor Day weekend due to low prices

• More people in Michigan are expected to hit the road this year than they did last year 
• Gas prices are down 34 cents statewide compared to the previous year and domestic airfare is also slightly cheaper 
• The top Labor Day destination for U.S. domestic travelers is Seattle

More Michiganders plan to hit the road for one last summer trip this Labor Day weekend and may find themselves spending less money than they did last year. 

Domestic travel for the holiday weekend is expected to increase 9% since last year but the cost to travel has decreased by 2%, according to AAA. 

“Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group in a press statement. “Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families. Because of that, others see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites.”

Domestic airfare is 2% cheaper than it was last year while international flights are 8% cheaper, according to AAA. 

Seattle is the top destination for domestic travel followed by Orlando, Anchorage, Alaska, and New York. International travel is down by 4% compared to last year but Vancouver is a hotspot for those traveling internationally this Labor Day weekend. 

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Not only are flights cheaper but drivers could feel some relief at the pumps. Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.42 of a gallon on regular gas, which is 34 cents cheaper than it was this time last year. 

Motorists are paying about $51 to fill a 15-gallon tank of gas. AAA listed the average price per gallon for regular gas in these metropolitan areas: 

• Ann Arbor: $3.53 
• Benton Harbor: $3.35
• Metro Detroit: $3.46
• Flint: $3.40
• Grand Rapids/Muskegon/Holland: $3.29 
• Jackson: $3.52
• Lansing/East Lansing: $3.53
• Marquette: $3.40
• Saginaw/Bay City/ Midland: $3.47
• Traverse City: $3.51

Low gas prices and cooler temperatures will cause busy roads this weekend. The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin removing orange barrels and lane restrictions to the side of the road 3 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Tuesday for 96 of 161 projects. 

“Labor Day weekend is (a) reminder that it’s time to soak up the last few weeks of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a press statement. "During this busy travel week, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions wherever we can so you can get where you need to go safely and smoothly.” 

AAA predicts that there will be over 300,000 stranded drivers nationally. The most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.

The agency suggests drivers inspect their vehicles before heading out on the road to avoid being stranded.  

“The best way to avoid spending your holiday on the roadside is by getting a full vehicle inspection before your trip,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, in a press statement. “This will help ensure everything from your battery to brakes is in proper working order.”

If you are experiencing car trouble, AAA recommends that you:  

• Safely pull as far over on the shoulder as possible 
• Turn your hazard lights on 
• Get to the nearest exit or stopping point if possible
• Call for assistance via phone, website or the AAA Mobile app
• Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so