AAA gives Labor Day travel tips, shares where people are going

With the unofficial end of summer, travel experts at AAA are giving their tips to enjoy the final lazy days of the year. The key is preparation.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 breakdown calls during the Labor Day weekend.

To make sure you’re not among those who need to call AAA for help, the agency said there are a few things you will need to take care of before hitting the road.

Make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road. Check your tires, battery, brakes, wiper blades and fluids.

Have a fully stocked emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a flashlight, water, jumper cables and basic tools.

Once you are on the road, make sure you drive safely. Watch your speed, avoid being distracted, don’t drive impaired, make sure you’re rested and always wear a seat belt, AAA said.

But things can happen no matter how prepared you are. So if you break down, you should move away from traffic by either going to the shoulder or an exit. Also, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Stay with the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Finally, call for help.

So where are people going this year?

The most popular destinations include Seattle, Orlando and New York City, according to AAA booking data.

Top 10 domestic destinations for Labor Day:

1. Seattle
2. Orlando
3. New York
4. Boston
5. Anchorage
6. Chicago
7. Atlanta
8. Denver
9. Miami
10. Las Vegas

If you're driving somewhere, The Washington State Department of Transportation's (WDOT) Labor Day weekend travel charts show the best times to travel on key highways, including:

US 2 between Stevens Pass and Skykomish

Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass

I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma

I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian border

Most highway construction will be paused this weekend to relieve road congestion, but delays are still likely. WSDOT urges travelers to “pack their patience,“ plan ahead, stay alert, and give themselves extra time to get where they’re going.

Check the WSDOT website to find helpful tools, a link to their mobile app, and a link to their social media channels to check real-time travel conditions and traffic updates.

Travelers driving onto Washington State Ferries this weekend should plan for long waits:

Westbound or island-bound: Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 28-30Eastbound or off-island: Sunday through Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1. 

WSDOT urges passengers to bypass vehicle lines and board much faster by traveling as a walk-on passenger.

Tips for ferry travel:

Double-check sailing schedules and sign up to receive rider alertsVisit the Washington State Ferries website for vehicle reservations for some routes and track the vessels on a real-time map and terminal status

Top 10 international destinations for Labor Day:

1. Vancouver, Canada
2. Rome, Italy
3. Dublin, Ireland
4. London, England
5. Paris, France
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Athens, Greece
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
10. Lisbon, Portugal

Beaches and national parks are also popular options, AAA Northwest’s senior spokesperson, Mark Schieldrop, said in a news release.

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” he said.

Heading out of town? Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is expecting record-breaking crowds. Around one million people are projected to depart, arrive, or pass through SEA. Airport officials say Friday will likely be the busiest of the Labor Day holiday travel period, with another busy day on Monday as people head home.

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