NEW YORK (AP) — Americans plan to hit the road this Labor Day weekend despite rising gas prices.
Thirty three million people will travel 50 miles or more, a 2.9 percent increase from last year, according to AAA. That's the highest level of travel for Labor Day since the start of the recession in late 2007.
A gallon of gas now costs an average $3.72 a gallon, down 22 cents from the peak reached in early April but about 40 cents more than it was on July 1.
The overwhelming majority of travelers — 85 percent — plan to drive to their destination. Once there, they will find hotel rooms costing 4 to 6 percent higher than last year.
Families planning to get away plan to spend $749. That's up from $702 last year.
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