By WMBD-TV

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – Labor Day Weekend is upon us, marking the unofficial end of the summer season. It’s also the last busy travel holiday of the summer.

“Two trends that we’re seeing this Labor Day weekend, number one, the top destination domestically is Seattle. What we’re also seeing is cruises in Alaska being as popular as well,” said AAA The Auto Club Group’s spokeswoman Molly Hart.

While some travel by air, some choose to stay closer to home and travel by car.

“A lot of people are going to be getting on the roads as well. Especially those who have kids,” said Hart. “They’ll probably go to a regional destination because they probably have to get back to school on Tuesday. So we’re seeing people getting in the cars as well.”

Law enforcement reminds people when traveling to leave early, don’t drink and drive and to wear their seatbelts.

“Give yourself enough time to get to your destination. We know that speed kills. We also know that with the Labor Day weekend, DUIs are going to be a little higher,” Brad Park, public information officer for the Normal Police Department said. “Make sure you have a designated driver or use some ride-share services. And obviously, lastly, seatbelts. Everyone in the car needs to have a seatbelt on. Our goal is to have a safe Labor Day weekend.”

But everyone isn’t taking flight or hitting the roads. Sometimes staying home to spend quality time with loved ones in your area is just as fulfilling.

“Typically what we see around here is that people are staying home. It’s the last hoorah of the holidays, the pools are going to be closing. So, people are staying home and doing their backyard BBQs and parties and that kind of thing,” Melissa Beaver, manager of marketing and communications for Central Illinois Regional Airport said. “The school year has started. So, not a lot of people are traveling anymore. And a lot of seasonal airlines are just about to end their service.”

According to CIRA, American Airlines numbers do not show increased traffic for the local airport. And local law enforcement will increase their patrol specifically for d-u-I detail and ordinance violations around the college campuses.

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