Labor Day weekend tourism expected to reach 5 year high

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- It is considered by many to be the last major holiday of the summer season, but waiting to make Labor Day weekend plans could cost you a lot more cash this year.

Travel website Expedia.com reports a "considerable increase" in traffic with people booking flights, booking hotel rooms and renting cars.

AAA reported that nearly 34.1 million Americans traveled during Labor Day weekend 2013, the highest in five years. Expedia.com says their stats show 2014 could top last year's numbers, with air fare demand up 20%.

"The increase in activity is unusual - Labor Day is traditionally more of a 'stay local' holiday versus peak summer weekends," said Sarah Gavin, Expedia Senior Editor.

Her top tips for saving over Labor Day Weekend include:

1. Consider off-the-beaten track destinations - the most popular destinations are often the most expensive.
2. Be flexible with your flying schedule - consider flying on Saturday morning or extending your trip through Monday evening.
3. Book your flights and hotels as a package - on Expedia.com, this can save travelers hundreds.

Expedia has analyzed booking data to pinpoint prospective destinations that are yielding the best Labor Day deals. Destinations include:

1. Palm Springs, CA - Hotel rates are down 12% from last year
2. Charleston, SC - Hotel rates are down 10% from last year
3. Virginia Beach, VA - Hotel rates are down nearly 9% from last year
4. Ocean City, MD - Hotels rates are down 4% from last year
5. Austin, TX - Average hotel rates are $177 per night, down 8% from last year
6. New Orleans, LA - Average hotel rates are $172 per night
7. Washington, DC - Average hotel rates are $145 per night
8. Denver, CO - Average hotel rates are $144 per night

The top ten most popular destinations for Labor Day weekend include:

1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Chicago, IL - Hotel bookings are up more than 130% from last year
3. New York City, NY - Hotel rates are down 7% from last year
4. Atlanta, GA
5. San Diego, CA
6. Seattle, WA
7. Orange County, CA
8. Los Angeles, CA
9. Miami, FL

10. Houston, TX - Hotel bookings are up more than 220%  from last year and room rates are only $154 per night

Need some local travel ideas? Check out www.VISITFLORIDA.com and www.exploreGEORGIA.org.