Gas Prices Not A Deterrent to Labor Day Weekend Travel

Labor Day weekend travel is expected to increase over last year as the holiday approaches. AAA Colorado projects more than a half million Coloradans will venture more than 50 miles from home this coming weekend. That represents an increase of nearly 4% over last year. Surprisingly, gas prices aren't much different than they were  a year ago.

As of mid-August, gas prices on average were less than 1% higher than they were at this time last year. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Colorado is $2.54, just two cents higher than a year ago.

According to AAA forecasts, based on current trends, gas is expected to be less expensive than last year.However, there is always the  potential for late-summer hurricanes and refinery problems that could send prices upward.

The AAA survey indicates that Colorado motorists will travel an average of 1060 miles round trip this weekend, with most travelers leaving Friday and returning Monday.

If you are planning to rent a car you can expect to pay more for your vehicle. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, car rental rates for the weekend will average $51 per day, 32% more than last  year's average.