As families prepare to enjoy an extended Labor Day weekend ahead of kids heading back to school and the summer tourist season coming to an end, they must also decide how they want to spend that time — near or far.
But it’s often a holiday spent closer to home.
“Labor Day weekend tends to be a little bit different of a travel weekend for folks,” said Georjeane Blumling, spokesperson for AAA Tidewater. “It tends to be more of a time for family and short trips rather than expensive vacations.”
For those still planning to head out of town, gas prices may be a consideration.
The average gas price in Virginia for January through August was $2.53, according to AAA, up from $2.13 during the same period in 2017 but below the national 2018 average of $2.73.
Blumling said she doubts prices will affect travel plans much this late in the season.
“These prices have been really stable most of the summer. I think people are used to whatever prices they’re paying,” she said, noting that prices also tend to go down in the fall, barring factors like hurricanes or stock market changes.
Before heading to one of the bustling beaches or your theme park of choice, Blumling recommends checking traffic in advance. She said 3-6 p.m. Friday afternoon will likely see the worst traffic conditions.
“People who are heading out are all leaving at the same time. If you can avoid that time period, you’ll save yourself some time,” she said.
But if you can’t: “Pack your patience.”
