SEATTLE — As Labor Day weekend kicks off, Seattle emerges as the top destination for travelers, according to AAA. The Emerald City is not only a departure point but also a prime location for holiday visitors.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, more than a million travelers are expected between now and Tuesday, marking the end of a record-setting summer. Friday is anticipated to be the busiest day, with nearly 200,000 passengers passing through the airport.

AAA reports that many travelers are opting for road trips to nearby beaches or national parks, with advice to “leave early to beat the backups.”

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“What a lot of people do is they wait until they get off work and then hit the road. You’re gonna get some traffic there, because if where you live, schools are back in session, you’re going to have school traffic mixed in with some travelers,” Axia Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA, said.

Seattle’s popularity as a destination is driven by cruise bookings and trips to national parks. With lower gas prices and cheaper hotels, road trippers are getting more mileage for their money. The average gas price in Washington state is currently $4.39 per gallon.

Transportation data provider INRIX warns that traffic congestion will worsen as the day progresses, with the worst congestion expected Monday afternoon on Interstate 90 traveling from Ellensburg back to Seattle.