The long, lingering days of summer are starting to come to a close, and lazy weekends and warm-weather getaways will soon be nothing more than memories. Before you know it, you\u2019ll be back running shuttles to soccer practice and shoveling the driveway. Unless, of course, you plan one last summer fling.<\/p>\n
Make the most of Labor Day this year by packing up the car and escaping for the weekend. With a map and a bit of wanderlust, you can manage to make summer linger for a few more days. That is, if you plan it right.<\/p>\n
National travel advocacy group AAA has seen an uptick in car travel this summer over last year, with a 5% increase in trips taken over Memorial Day weekend, and a 17% jump in car travel over the Fourth of July. During this year\u2019s Labor Day weekend, AAA predicts 31 million people will hit the road, a nearly 10% increase from last year. Most of those travelers will get behind the wheel: 91% of travelers intend to drive, while only 5% will fly.<\/p>\n
It makes sense, since driving is often less stressful then flying.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t ignore the fact that the air travel experience has become less attractive,\u201d says Geoff Freeman, executive Vice President of the U.S. Travel Association.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hassles of flying\u2013security delays and cancellations\u2013are a contributing factor to finding alternative ways of travel.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
With gas prices stable and consumers keeping a tight grip on their wallets, road trips are an attractive option for those looking for an inexpensive getaway.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a larger family there\u2019s a definite cost savings over flying,\u201d says AAA spokeswoman Heather Hunter.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur travel agents are reporting double-digit growth [in services provided] over last year.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Once you\u2019ve decided to get behind the wheel, you\u2019ve got to figure out where to go\u2013no easy decision when you\u2019ve got the wide-open American road in front of you.<\/p>\n