Headed Out for Labor Day? Join the Other 35.5 Million Americans ...

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto: "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window—best view in the house."

See recent posts by Ashley Rossi

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In this year’s 2015 Labor Day Travel Forecast, AAA reports a one-percent increase in travel over the holiday weekend over last year, which means 35.5 million travelers will be out looking to soak up the last few days of summer.

RELATED: Best Labor Day Getaways

What’s the big deal? Numbers-wise, this is the most travelers the report has predicted since 2008. The report credits income gains, rising household net worth, and a better housing market for giving Americans more disposable income with which to travel.

What Else You Need to Know

85.8 percent (30.4 million) of travelers will be traveling by car, while 7.4 percent (2.6 million) will fly.
Gas prices are also expected to be the lowest in over 10 years, further increasing auto travel.
Average airfares are down one percent (Thanks low gas prices!), while hotel rates are slightly higher compared to 2014.

Helpful Tips

Check local travel warnings and traffic reports to optimize your road trip if traveling by car. Haven’t tried Waze yet? This might be a good opportunity.
Most public transportation systems will run on a Sunday schedule on the holiday Monday.
Download our list of 10 Best Apps for Road Trips.
Consider traveling in off-peak hours if you have a flexible schedule in order to avoid traffic.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend from SmarterTravel!

(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock) (Photo: AAA)

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Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter @ashley_stravel for more advice about travel hacks and destination ideas.

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