It’s a tradition for many Western and Central New York families to use Labor Day Weekend as an opportunity for one last vacation before school starts. Yet with the pandemic impacting travel this year, trends will be noticeably different than in recent years. These are the top trends AAA is seeing this year, based on requests from local travelers:

1. The 1000 Islands and the Adirondacks region are the top destinations, along with the other areas within New York State such as the Finger Lakes, Catskills, Chautauqua, Lake George and the Niagara Falls area. Travel within New York has been extremely popular as residents look to avoid a quarantine.
2. Also popular is the New England area, specifically Coastal Maine.
3. Requests have increased for destinations out West as travelers take cross country trips to National Parks.
4. Orlando is the top destination for travelers taking to the skies this year; however air travel is down significantly this year. 
5. Long weekend getaways were very popular this summer and AAA expects that trend to continue into the fall season with travelers enjoying wine trails and fall foliage tours.

With road trips being the most popular form of travel this Labor Day, motorists will be pleased that gas prices remain low. The national average is now $2.23, down 35 cents from one year ago. The New York average is $2.30. The Labor Day travel period is historically from Thursday to Monday.

This year, amid the pandemic, planning is more important than ever, and travelers should remember to wear their masks, pack hand sanitizer and remain socially distant. Check the CDC’s Covid-19 data tracker, municipal and state health departments and local news for updates on coronavirus cases and continue to do so while on the road. AAA’s Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Map at TripTik.AAA.com also has the latest state and local travel restrictions. AAA’s full tips on safe travel are included with this press release. 

Download the AAA Mobile app before a road trip
Travelers can use the app to request roadside assistance, map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.