Labor Day travel volume nearly the same as last year

DENVER, August 29- Travel costs are nearly the same as they were last year. Despite a lack of dramatic increases in travel costs, AAA does not project an increase in Labor Day travel this year compared to last year.

AAA estimates that 34.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, almost the exact same number estimated that traveled last Labor Day.

"Many schools have moved their start of the school year to before Labor Day," says Sandra Barnes, AAA Colorado's Director of Travel Services. "This has prevented many families from taking extended Labor Day trips and has slowed the yearly increase in Labor Day travel. Fortunately for Colorado residents, there are many popular destinations close to home that give families the chance to plan a Labor Day road trip at the last minute."

According to the Travel Industry of America (TIA), many travelers have the perception that travel costs are up in every area. This perception is not accurate—AAA's Leisure Travel Index shows some vacation costs are down from Labor Day 2006, while others have risen.

• The average price of regular unleaded in Colorado is $2.84 per gallon, down 16 cents from last year.
• The national average price of regular unleaded is $2.74 per gallon, 11 cents less.
• Car rental rates are down in Denver an average of 7 percent from $58 last year to $54 this year.
• Nationally, car rental rates are down 3 percent.
• Hotel rates nationally are up 3 percent compared to last year for moderately priced hotels.
• In Denver, the average rates for Three Diamond hotels are up 14 percent, from $102 to $116 per night.
• Airfares are nearly identical to Labor Day 2006 nationally.

"The best advice for travelers hoping to book a late summer or early fall vacation is to book your trip as early as possible," says Barnes. "The earlier you book, the greater your chances to get the preferred travel options and often pay less."

Where are Coloradans heading this upcoming Labor Day? According to bookings through AAA Colorado (one of Colorado's largest travel agencies), the top five in-state destinations are Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Gunnison and Vail.

Approximately, 28.9 million travelers (83.5 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle, just under the 29 million who drove a year ago. Twelve percent of Labor Day travelers are expected to travel by air (4.1 million people).

For those traveling by air, AAA Colorado recommends arriving at the airport especially early. "Airline delays have increased this year with increased security and many airlines offering fewer flights. If you are flying over the Labor Day weekend, make sure and arrive at the airport especially early and be prepared for possible delays by bringing snacks and games for children," says Barnes.

Research for holiday travel is based on a national survey of 1,950 adults by the Travel Industry Association, which conducts special research for AAA.

AAA Colorado has more than 500,000 members in Colorado and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 50 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.aaa.com.

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