Charleston AAA predicts high travel volume for Labor Day weekend

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Millions of Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend, including Charleston area residents.

“We’re looking at 30.4 million people are going to be driving at more than 50 miles to a destination this weekend or more,” said AAA Charleston Supervisor Crissy Gray.

The last blast of summer will be sending people to the beaches, mostly, Gray said.

“Labor Day is that last beach vacation before the summer officially comes to an end, so we’re seeing people go as far north as Maryland to a beach all the way as far south as Florida,” she said.

According to AAA, top destinations include Myrtle Beach, Sc., and theme parks including Kings Island in Ohio, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Williamsburg, Va. State parks are also a top travel spot, not only in West Virginia, but also in neighboring states.

Gray said the most important thing do before heading out on a trip is to make sure your vehicle maintenance is up to date and tires are in good condition to avoid breaking down.

“With the heat being in the upper 80s, lower 90s we’re going to be dealing with hot weather and if you’re driving long distances those things can wear on your vehicle,” she said.

With gas prices currently at an all-time low, Gray said people should take advantage of it.

“This is the last kick before summer’s over,” she said. “I know the price per gallon is one dollar less than it was a year ago, so people need to get out and enjoy this Labor Day weekend.”

The travel period runs through Sunday.





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