As summer unofficially closes its curtains, many residents from the High Desert have begun contemplating their travel itineraries for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. While flight and hotel prices have become cheaper compared to the previous years, some travelers are still opting to stay put. On the other hand, gas and car rental prices have remained relatively low, leading to an increase in the number of road trips and short getaways. For most, the weekend marks the last opportunity to take a vacation before the onset of fall.

As shared with the Victorville Daily Press, businesswoman Rene Ray De La Cruz from Victorville mentioned that while some dream of planning extravagant vacations, many, including those in her social circles, are grappling with the harsh financial realities caused by inflation. While she noted that purchasing power is declining, everyday essentials such as groceries, utilities, insurance, and even medical expenses are rising, which makes traveling virtually impossible for her.

That said, many residents still seem to plan to fully embrace the long weekend, whether it’s a road trip to a nearby destination or a relaxing weekend spent at home. In the following, we will discuss the travel choices of High Desert residents, along with the associated expenses and this year’s notable trends.

The Rise of Localized Travel and Road Trips

In previous years, the Labor Day holiday was famous for booking flights to Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando. This year, however, many High Desert residents are leaning towards doing road trips and local getaways. Gas prices being low is certainly an advantage, as many families are heading towards Big Bear, Palm Springs, and many other local attractions.

Carlos Ortega, a Hesperia resident, shared with the Victorville Daily Press that his family plans on staying home and barbecuing carne asada while bingeing on movies over the weekend. Ortega shared that family vacation budgets took a hit as his children got older and started participating in travel sports. The Ortega family typically goes on one major vacation during Christmas and another smaller trip in June. However, family trips during Labor Day are reserved for staying closer to home.

John Francis from Apple Valley shared a different plan. Although he and his wife traditionally shy away from traveling during holidays, this year they are an exception. The couple is now heading to Big Bear with old friends, which offers a good combination of nature and relaxation in the company of good old friends.

According to AAA, the American Automobile Association, lower prices on gas and car rentals have made road trips more popular among travelers. As for hotels, AAA data shows that rates are 11% lower this year compared to last Labor Day, which makes it more budget-friendly for those wanting to get away for the long weekend.

Dream Destinations

Some High Desert residents are still setting their sights on dream destinations. AAA travel data shows that Las Vegas, New York, and Boston are still popular travel destinations for the holidays. For long-haul travelers, European cities like Rome, London, and Paris are also on the radar.

Stacey Barber, the vice president of AAA Travel, noted that a portion of the population booking European vacations or cruises, a larger share of the population seems to be leaning towards vacations closer to home. The lower gas prices and car rental costs make it easier for families to visit national parks, the beach, or even take a day trip.

In the case of long-haul travelers, a portion of the population flying overseas enjoys the lower prices on hotels and car rentals, which makes booking these trips a tad easier than in the past, even though a portion of the population still finds it challenging, largely due to the current economic climate.

Gas Prices, Traffic, and the Best Times to Travel

For Labor Day, the price of gas poses the biggest concern for travelers. According to AAA, the national average for regular gas was $3.33 a gallon the previous year. This year, gas prices are approximately equal to the summer of 2021. While fluctuations remain a possibility due to storms and hurricanes that impact Gulf Coast refineries, prices are expected to remain lower than last year.

For travelers who are driving, INRIX has published driving analytics that highlight the peak and low travel times. AAA suggests leaving before noon on Saturday for the smoothest travel. As traffic congestion worsens throughout the day, those traveling later in the afternoon and into the early evening will almost certainly encounter delays. Many travelers are expected to get out of town on Saturday, as it is a common day for people to take day trips or travel to closer places.

The Cost of Labor Day Travel: A Mixed Picture

The financial strain of traveling is still an issue for many of the High Desert residents, even if the costs are lower this year. Business owner Rita Dawson noted the lack of justifiable value for a vacation, given the expenses that need to be managed. She explained that her family has not been able to take a “big” vacation since 2019, as the pandemic, coupled with living expenses, made traveling difficult.

Despite these hurdles, many residents are still hopeful, choosing to take budget-friendly vacations or enjoy the holiday at home. For some people, the Labor Day weekend is the only time they can relax for a few days, free from the burden of travel expenses, which is a constant worry for people living paycheck to paycheck.

The Summer’s Last Hurrah

High Desert residents for sure have a travel conundrum with the famous long weekend coming up. This holiday weekend marks the semi-official end of summer, and for a lot of people, it means hitting the road for a quick escape, staying home, or catching a long-awaited holiday. This travel may be cheaper in spending, for some, the everyday life struggle makes even budget-friendly vacations seem like an unaffordable luxury. No matter the situation, the long weekend serves to mark almost a seasonal holiday, where families get to unwind from their daily lives.

All things considered, Labor Day caters to the vacation zealots who wish to escape the burden of work. Budget-friendly vacations have contributed significantly to the revival of family road trips and summer escapes for most families.