MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
The Labor Day holiday officially kicks off later today and travel experts expect it to be the busiest Labor Day since 2008.
Many people have their bags packed and are ready to go for the long weekend. And even with rising gas prices, thanks to Isaac, a new survey finds about a million more people across the country will travel this year over last year.
According to a new forecast from AAA, 33 million Americans will enjoy a Labor Day weekend getaway at least 50 miles from home. That's an increase of 2.9% over last year. Travelers will also spend a little bit more on their long weekends, 749 dollars on average, up from 702 in 2011.
Despite a sluggish economy and recent rises in gas prices, AAA leader say the encouraging travel forecast is sign that Americans continue to prioritize travel. However, most travelers will stay a little closer to home, between 100 and 400 miles round-trip.
And with this also being the first weekend of college football season, travelers can expect some busy roads and highways this weekend. As an added precaution during the heavily traveled holiday, ALDOT announced there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon Friday through midnight Monday.
State troopers and other law enforcement officials will be out in force checking for speeders and drunk drivers.
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