Labor Day Weekend Travel In Virginia: Road Trips Trending

VIRGINIA — The coronavirus pandemic continues to shape travel trends as Labor Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Families are shifting more toward road trips than vacations at the usual tourist destinations, and AAA has identified Virginia as a popular destination.

AAA hasn't released a holiday weekend forecast for the DC region but predicted U.S. residents would take 700 million road trips between July 1 and Sept. 30. Virginia is one of the popular destinations for AAA members seeking travel information, with the other popular spots including National Parks, Gettysburg, Maine, Tennessee, Florida, Massachusetts, the U.S. side of Niagara Falls and Rhode Island.

"As economies reopened, AAA retail locations have seen heightened interest in our road trip travel tools," said John Townsend II, manager of public and government affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. "The majority of requests in many of our Mid-Atlantic area AAA locations have been for travel guidance to western states, national parks and the state of Maine, with members opting to experience scenic drives and destinations rather than theme parks."

Virginia is home to numerous popular parks, including Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. AAA offers a number of suggestions for road trips across the U.S., including regional routes in the Mid-Atlantic.

As for gas prices, drivers should expect the lowest prices for the Labor Day holiday since 2016. Although Hurricane Laura's landfall in the Gulf Coast slightly increased local gas prices, the pandemic has caused the demand for gas to fall, and the extra domestic supply keeps prices lower.

The average gas price as of Friday is $2.116 in Virginia. It's more than the $1.988 average a month ago but is below the $2.306 average a year ago. The highest gas prices aren't just found in Northern Virginia; in fact, some Shenandoah Valley counties, the Northern Neck and Eastern Shore also have higher prices, according to AAA's gas price data. The lowest prices can be found in certain Hampton Roads localities and counties well outside the northern region.

Drivers should remember to drive sober as state police and participating local law enforcement conduct a DUI enforcement and other traffic safety campaigns. Police will hold sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols through Labor Day in an effort to prevent and deter impaired driving and DUI-related crashes. State police are also part of Operation CARE, a nationwide traffic safety program aiming to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failing to use seat belts. State police will be participating from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 through midnight on Monday, Sept. 7.

In the time of the pandemic, AAA offers the following tips for road trips this weekend:

• Hand sanitizer. Bring a large pump-style bottle of 70 percent alcohol-based sanitizer for the car. A pump bottle reduces handling of the bottle. Sanitize before getting out of the car and immediately after returning. Be sure everyone has a small, individualized bottle to take with them.
• Sanitizing wipes. Keeping a packet in the car can help you get into the habit of wiping down all areas of your vehicle where you have contact, such as the steering wheel, shift knob, door handles and seat belt latches. If you forget to bring wipes, pump a little sanitizer onto a napkin and apply. Bring a second packet of wipes with you to take when you leave the vehicle so you can use it when opening a restaurant door, using a gas pump, sitting down at a table or using a public restroom.
• Wear a mask. They are required in most municipalities when entering any public building or in outdoor spaces where people congregate. The statewide requirement in Virginia applies to indoor public spaces. The bandana or gaiter style of mask is not approved in all public areas, including Disney. Bring one washable mask for each day of your trip and use a new one daily. If you are traveling with kids or several people, it may be more efficient to invest in a box of disposable masks so everyone can simply grab and go.
• Pack a lunch and more. Packing food and snacks can help reduce the number of stops you make, and therefore the number of potential interactions. You’ll also reach your destination sooner. Pack lunch when you can, along with snacks. Opt for single-use packets so you're all not reaching into the same bag. Use a cooler for beverages.
• Social distance. When you do make a stop, stay 6 feet apart when standing in lines. Self-seating restaurants typically have their tables spaced, with distance and directional markers on the floor. Consider ordering ahead via a mobile app to further reduce contact.
• If you feel uncomfortable, leave. If you notice workers are not wearing masks properly (they should cover the entire mouth and nose) or there are simply too many people inside, don’t hesitate to leave.
• Use the AAA mobile app. Bring the AAA mobile app to make hotel reservations along the way at AAA member rates, and find local attractions, restaurants, and other venues that offer AAA discounts.

SEE ALSO:

• Virginia Getaways For End-Of-Summer Quarantine Escape
• Buckle Up, Stay Sober On Labor Day Weekend: VA State Police