Falling gas prices and an improving economy are contributing to an increase in Labor Day holiday travel for the third straight year for South Carolinians, making it the highest number of travelers in seven years, according to AAA Carolinas.
More than 455,500 Palmetto state residents – a 1% increase from 2014 – are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home. Of those travelers, about 392,000 (86%) will be driving.
Those driving will encounter the lowest gas prices this holiday in 11 years. South Carolina’s state-wide average today is $2.01 per gallon. Motorists were paying $1.15 more per gallon statewide a year ago on Labor Day. Gas prices in South Carolina have fallen 43 cents a gallon since July 4th, allowing consumers to keep more money in their wallets and spend slightly more on hotels and food.
“Lower gas prices and an extended weekend should motivate South Carolinians to hop in their vehicles for one more family road trip as the summer travel season comes to a close,” said Dave Parsons, CEO and president of AAA Carolinas. “We’ll have more motorists on the road than last year and it’s the perfect time to remind everyone to practice safe driving habits including not drinking and driving, adhering to speed limits, and eliminating distractions behind the wheel such as cell phone use.”
The most expensive gas in the state is in Charleston at $2.01 and the least expensive is in Myrtle Beach at $1.94.
South Carolina motorists will encounter higher gas prices in North Carolina ($2.22), Georgia ($2.28), Virginia ($2.18) and Tennessee ($2.14).
Top driving destinations this holiday are Myrtle Beach, Greensboro, Orlando, Gatlinburg (TN) and Asheville, according to AAA Vacations, the largest leisure travel agency in the Carolinas, which tracks personalized drive trip routes.
While most South Carolinians will be driving, an estimated 36,300 will travel by air, while 31,800 will go by other modes of transportation like train, bus or cruise. Both numbers are about the same as last year.
Airfares are down 1% this year, with an average lowest round-trip fare of $216, down from $219 last year, according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index.
The top flight destinations for the Labor Day Holiday include Orlando, Seattle, Miami, Vancouver, London and Rome.
Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels are expected to be the highest in five years, increasing 2% from a year ago, with travelers spending an average of $175 compared to $171. The average hotel rate for AAA Two Diamond hotels has increased 10% from Labor Day 2014. The $138 average is $13 higher than last year and the highest for this holiday in the past five years.
Barring a major development, such as a Gulf Coast hurricane, prices are likely to remain low.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety and member agencies of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Network will be in full effect for the “Sober or Slammer” campaign which started on Aug.15 and runs through the end of Labor Day, Sept.7. The program includes public awareness initiatives and high-visibility enforcement in an effort to remove drunk drivers from the roads and curb collisions and fatalities. As of Sept. 1 of 2015, South Carolina has had 619 traffic deaths – up 95 from 2014.
“In so many of these fatalities, alcohol is a factor,” said Parsons. “We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a plan before you drink. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi or Uber.”
South Carolina will suspend most construction projects along interstates and high volume multilane primary routes throughout the holiday weekend. Motorists can expect more traffic around Darlington with NASCAR’s Southern 500 festivities taking place at Darlington Raceway the entire holiday weekend.
The Labor Day travel period is defined as Thursday, Sept.3, through Monday Sept. 7.
Survey data is taken from AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, AAA/HIS Global Insight holiday travel forecast and AAA Carolinas data.
To estimate fuel costs travelers can go to www.fuelcostcalculator.com to input starting city, destination, and the make and model of their car.
The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android devices uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find updated gas prices, view nearby member discounts and access AAA Roadside Assistance.
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