Traveling this Labor Day weekend may be the busiest it has ever been, no matter if people are choosing to drive or fly.
The number of travelers is expected to be almost 10% higher compared to last year.
Gas prices
Drivers may notice lower prices at the pump this Labor Day weekend, both nationally and in Florida.
Gas prices this Labor Day are expected to be the lowest they have been for the holiday in the last three years. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular is $3.36 as of Thursday. In 2022, the price was $3.81 at the same point of the holiday weekend.
Gas Buddy says the national average on Labor Day itself is projected to be at $3.27.
According to new data from AAA, there has been a 2% dip in the cost of travel this year for Labor Day.
Road trip
For those planning a road trip this holiday weekend, it is best to start your trip early on Friday.
The worst times to be on the road will be in the afternoon and into the early evening because drivers may encounter people just trying to get home from work.
For travelers planning to drive on Saturday, the afternoon is the best bet.
On Sunday and Labor Day itself, AAA says the best times to drive are in the mornings.
Flying
Airports are prepping for the busiest Labor Day travel on record.
TSA is expecting Friday to be the peak travel day with screening just shy of 3 million people across the country.
TSA anticipates screening more than 17 million people by Wednesday, Sept. 4, which marks the end of the holiday travel period.
Beach etiquette
Labor Day weekend comes with the expectation of a lot of people heading to the beaches.
Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol shared some “beach etiquette” to keep in mind:
- Keep the beaches clean. Don’t leave food or trash on the beach.
- Keep the beaches dark and avoid using flashlights or flash photography when it is dark out so the light does not disorient sea turtles that are nesting or trying to make it back to the ocean.
- Try to fill in any holes or ruts in the sand.
- Take everything with you when you leave the beach, including things like beach chairs, umbrellas and any other gear.
Free shuttles
For those planning on spending a portion of the Labor Day weekend in St. Johns County, there will be free shuttles running Saturday through Monday to the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier and Mickler’s Landing Beach front.
The shuttles will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, the shuttles will run between Cornerstone Park at 1046 A1A North and Mickler’s Landing.
For the pier, they will run between St. Augustine Beach City Hall at 2200 A1A South and the pier’s parking lot.
The shuttles run every 20 minutes and people can track the service via the free SJC Connect mobile app.
And, as always, watch for the flags that fly at the beaches that indicate the water conditions so you can enjoy your visit safely.