Best and Worst Times to Travel for Labor Day Weekend Road Trips

As the calendar inches closer to September, the anticipation grows for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. For those planning a trip, it's important to note that this year might see more crowds and congestion than the previous one.

The desire for an extended weekend and to enjoy the remaining summer days has led to more people making travel plans. Recent data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) confirms this trend. It shows a significant increase in travel bookings compared to last year. Domestic travel bookings in the United States, covering flights, hotels, cruises, and rental cars, have increased by 4%.

Even more noteworthy is the 44% surge in international bookings. This rise in reservations indicates growing confidence in travel safety and a renewed interest in exploring new places. As a result, those setting out during this year's Labor Day weekend should be prepared for a livelier travel experience.

AAA suggests drivers going on road trips this Labor Day weekend will probably encounter gas prices similar to last year. The average national price for regular gasoline was $3.78 on Labor Day 2022. Gas prices increased this summer in July due to low supply and expensive oil. However, prices have eased in August and are expected to stay the same or even drop before the Labor Day weekend.

A transportation data and insights company called INRIX predicts that the busiest time on the roads for the long Labor Day weekend will be between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 31. They also expect higher traffic than usual on Friday, September 1, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"The best times to travel by car over Labor Day weekend are early in the morning or in the evening," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. "If you must travel during heavy traffic, navigation apps and local departments of transportation can help steer drivers around long delays."

Here's how you can plan your travels to steer clear of heavy traffic during the Labor Day weekend. According to AAA, if you're traveling on Wednesday, August 30, and Thursday, August 31, the least favorable time to hit the road is between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., while the most favorable time is before 7 a.m.

If you're heading out on Friday, Sept. 1, it's recommended to avoid traveling between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., with the optimal time being before 11 a.m. On Saturday, Sept. 2, the period from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is expected to have the heaviest traffic, while before 11 a.m. is the best time to travel. Minimal traffic is expected on Sunday, Sept. 3.

As for Labor Day Monday, the peak travel time is anticipated from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with any time after 7 p.m. being the most favorable for travel.

Some people believe that embracing plant-based options at a barbecue is just a passing trend. However, it's a conscious choice that brings more options to the table. Gone are the days when grilling was only synonymous with sizzling meat patties and juicy sausages.

Incorporating plant-based options at a barbecue creates inclusivity. By offering a range of delicious plant-based dishes, hosts ensure that everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to those with dietary restrictions, can join in the festivities and indulge in a delicious meal. It's a gesture that demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where no one feels left out.

But it's not just about making everyone feel included. Plant-based options at a barbecue also align with health consciousness. These alternatives tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.  Regarding vegetarian barbecues, the focus is on grilling an assortment of colorful vegetables and plant-based proteins. Skewers loaded with marinated bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes take center stage on the grill. Once on the grill, they’ll get a delicious smoky flavor and tender texture.

Alongside the vegetable skewers, you can also serve up plant-based burgers made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, or quinoa. You can grill these patties to achieve a charred exterior, offering a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional meat burgers.

Barbecues extend beyond the realm of juicy burgers, hotdogs, ribs, and smoked chicken breasts. Whether you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle or simply aim to reduce your meat consumption, you don't have to feel left out. With the barbecue season in full swing, vegetarians and plant-based enthusiasts now have a multitude of meat alternatives to enjoy. From plant-based burgers and sausages to grilled tofu and veggies, there are plenty of delicious options available for those who prefer plant-based BBQ options.

Check out these five savory meat alternatives for the grill.

The star of the show at a vegetarian BBQ is often the assortment of grilled vegetables. The vegetables are typically marinated or brushed with flavorful sauces or herbs before being cooked on the grill. A yummy veggie to throw on the grill would be zucchini with a drizzle of Italian seasonings, olive oil, and lemon juice. Another option would be grilled garlic mushrooms with a bit of garlic and balsamic vinegar or grilled cabbage with a tandoori marinade.

A vegetarian BBQ often features a variety of veggie burger options. These burgers can be made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or even grilled portobello mushrooms. They are typically served on buns and topped with condiments, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and vegetarian-friendly sauces.

To mimic the classic BBQ experience, plant-based sausages, and hot dogs are popular additions to a BBQ. These meatless alternatives are made from ingredients like soy, tofu, seitan, or vegetables and are grilled until they’re charred on the outside.

Tofu and tempeh are versatile plant-based protein sources. You can marinate and grill them at BBQs. Tofu can be marinated in a variety of sauces or spices to add flavor. While tempeh, a fermented soybean product, has a naturally nutty taste.

Fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon, and bananas are often grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavors. They can also be served as-is or paired with a scoop of vegan ice cream. A fruit that would go perfectly on the grill is pineapple. You can create a rum-glazed pineapple if you’re feeling ambitious. Just marinate your pineapple in dark spiced rum and brown sugar before putting it on the grill.