Travel forecast up 10%

Drivers are expected to take to the road in increasing numbers this Labor Day weekend, as motorists on their way to visit family and friends take what could be their final vacation of the summer.

More than 34 million drivers nationwide, including 629,000 Tennesseans, will pack the car and head for the highway, nearly 10 percent more than in 2009, according to AAA Auto Club South.

“Labor Day typically marks the end of summer travel, and we’re seeing more people deciding to take one last summer trip before the fall,” said Brent Hubele, vice president, AAA Travel. “This is great news as travel projections are up overall, not only in the state and region, but in the country as a whole.”

A survey by AAA of traveler intentions revealed that the top three priorities for vacationers this weekend are dining, followed by shopping and visiting with friends and relatives.

Although additional drivers on the road increases demand for fuel, which in turn drives up prices, AAA is forecasting “a reliable, consistent fuel price” of between $2.50 and $2.60 for travelers this weekend, “barring any major tropical storm activity in the Gulf Coast region.”

The national average price of gas fell for 19 consecutive days through Aug. 31, and it is expected to continue to fall throughout Labor Day weekend, according to Jessica Brady, a spokeswoman for AAA.

“The $2 drop in the price of crude oil translates into gas that’s a couple of cents cheaper at the pump,” Brady said.

However, oil prices did rise $1.11 per barrel Thursday because of the oil rig explosion in the Gulf.

Drivers will travel an average distance of 635 miles, AAA said, and each motorist will spend roughly $697 this weekend, up from an average of $650 over Labor Day 2009.

For those taking their journey to the air, travelers can expect to pay 9 percent more for their plane tickets than in 2009, and 7 percent more to rent a car once they reach their destination.

The increases translate into a $179 average plane ticket for the lowest rates on the top 40 air routes, and an average rental rate of $46.

Hotel prices only increased 2 percent, AAA said, to an average of $102 per night.