Holiday Weekend Driving to Rise to Five-Year High, AAA Says

The number of Americans driving during the Labor Day weekend will rise to the most in five years as gasoline prices drop lower than this time last year, according to AAA.

People taking trips of 50 miles or more from home will increase to 34.1 million from 32.7 million a year ago, rising to the highest level since a record 45.1 million travelers in 2008, according to the motorist group.

Travel by automobile will rise 4.3 percent to 29.2 million travelers from 28 million a year ago.

Gasoline prices are about 2.7% lower than this time last year. Labor Day gas prices hit a record high last year, averaging $3.83 a gallon. This year, gas prices average $3.537, AAA said.

The average distance traveled during the holiday will be 594 miles, a decrease from 626 miles last year. Spending will rise to $804 from $749 per trip, according to AAA.