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9 Ways To Save Money On Labor Day Travel

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This year, AAA Travel predicts that 35.5 million Americans will trek 50 miles or more from home over Labor Day weekend, the highest travel volume since 2008. Eighty-six percent will be traveling via road and 7.4% will go by air.

“A strong labor market coupled with greater job security and rising home prices have all helped to increase disposable income,” said AAA Chicago spokesperson Beth Mosher in a press release. “Though some consumers remain cautious, these positive indicators are driving a slight increase and allowing millions of Americans to travel on one last summer getaway.”

If you’re one of the millions of Americans trying to get away, here’s how to do it with the least amount of headache—and cash—this weekend.

Check for last-minute deals. If you want to travel but you haven’t made plans yet, find last-minute sales on HotelTonight.com or the mobile apps Booking Now or Last Minute Travel Deals, and keep in mind that Hotels.com matches prices. If you don’t have a specific hotel chain in mind, try Hotwire.com to save as much as 60% off regular hotel prices. For last-minute airfare, check Google Flights. “You can enter your home airport, your travel dates, and they give you prices on flights for all destinations on these dates,” says Nick Porfilio, CEO and CTO of Saveful.com. “It’s amazing and has saved me hundreds of dollars on last-minute flights.”

Compare car rental prices. Use CarRentals.com to compare prices on car rentals, and then review deals available through warehouse store’s travel sites. “Warehouse stores aren't just a great place to buy oversized bottles of ketchup and a month's supply of tissue paper—you can also use that membership to save on travel bookings,” says savings expert Andrea Woroch. “I saved over 30 percent on a last-minute car rental for a trip to Hawaii through Costco last year and another $50 off a 5-day car rental in Denver this past June.”

Go camping. Forgo hotels and enjoy the outdoors while the weather’s still fine. You can often pitch a tent at a well-equipped campground for $20 to $30 a night. “Camping allows families to get out and enjoy the end of summer weather while spending quality time with one another,” says Mark Koep, founder of CampgroundViews.com. “Every major metropolitan area has campgrounds within a one-hour drive, and a lot of them probably still have space available.” You can search CampgroundViews.com for a campsite near you.

Use a map app. Gas is cheaper right now—the current national average is $2.58 per gallon—but not free. Avoid as much traffic as you can by using an app that helps you find the most efficient route to your destination. Waze and Google Maps are two good options.

Use a gas app. Save cash on your next tank of gas by finding the station with the cheapest prices near you. Try GasBuddy or Gas Guru. If you can, fuel up the Wednesday before the weekend before prices peak. “I find gas prices at Costco, if you’re a member, will beat those around town,” Woroch says.

Avoid peak travel times. It’s hard to avoid all traffic over Labor Day weekend, but you’ll hit less of it (and spend less on gas) if you time it right. Some of the heaviest traffic will occur on Friday, September 4th, so try to leave Thursday night or Saturday morning, if you can. “If you’re traveling on Labor Day, experts suggest starting back either before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. to avoid the post-cookout/afternoon drinks rush,” says Maggie McCombs with Creative Lodging Solutions. Better yet, come back early Tuesday morning.

Pack snacks. “I always pack cheese, crackers, apples and water for road trips,” says Kendal Perez with CouponSherpa.com. “This minimizes the need to stop for something to eat. It helps us get where we're going sooner and avoids wasteful spending on bad road food.”

Move around. “Don’t be afraid to switch hotels mid-stay if you find better prices at a different hotel but only for a portion of your vacation,” says Lidia Shong with aboutLife.com. “I’ve switched from one B&B to another in Boston and was able to pay 40% less on a last-minute weekend trip.”

Take advantage of free attractions. "There are great free things to do with kids in every town,” says Kim Orlando with TravelingMom.com and for the Staybridge Suites brand. “Call the local Chamber of Commerce and talk to the person who answers the phone—chances are it will be a local mom. She will know the best free things to do.” Or stop by the first playground you see and ask the parents there about making the most of their town.

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