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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After a busy summer of travel, many Oregonians are expected to squeeze in one final trip before the season ends this Labor Day weekend.
According to AAA, the Labor Day travel period lasts from Thursday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 5, but Thursday and Friday mornings will be the busiest commute times.
Although the company notes that the holiday isn’t as busy as Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, many families will still go on shorter trips closer to home to celebrate.
Booking data from AAA Oregon/Idaho says Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members.
“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” said Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”
The company added that those without school-aged children will use the long weekend to take advantage of smaller crowds and “off-peak pricing.” Many will even opt for international travel, with destinations such as Europe and Mexico.
Within the U.S., many people in the region will travel to places such as Seattle, Anaheim, Calif., Las Vegas, San Francisco and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Additionally, AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.
However, those planning to drive to their destination will see more expensive gas prices in Oregon and Washington compared to last year. But they will be cheaper in most other states. In 2024, the statewide average was $3.78 per gallon. As of Aug. 29, it was $3.97 per gallon.
“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geopolitical event that sends crude oil prices higher.”
As far as best times to hit the road, Dodds suggests before lunchtime and – if traveling on Saturday – as early as possible. The worst times, according to Dodds, are typically in the afternoon or early evening.
“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” she said. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”
For more information about the best and worst times to travel throughout the holiday weekend, click here.
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Jenna Deml
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