SUMMER 2023 IS coming to an end and many Americans plan to travel for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA Travel. To capitalize on that trend, economy lodging brands Motel 6 and Studio 6 are offering discounts to My6 members.
AAA’s domestic booking data for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises shows Labor Day weekend travel is up over last year 4 percent.
“Labor Day weekend will be the big sendoff to what has been an extremely busy summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
AAA did not release its usual forecast of the number of travelers expected for the weekend. It did release the top 5 domestic destinations, which are Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, New York and Las Vegas.
“Seattle tourism has been boosted by the strong demand for Alaska cruises. Florida destinations are popular not only for their beaches and theme parks but also for their cruise ports in Central Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Miami,” AAA said. “AAA data shows domestic cruise bookings over Labor Day weekend are up 19 percent compared to 2022.”
The national average for a gallon of regular was $3.78 on Labor Day 2022 but stood at $3.83 on Aug. 24, which was up 24 cents from the month before.
“This summer, gas prices spiked in July because of tight supply and the high cost of oil,” AAA said in its report. “The month of August has brought some relief and, barring a major storm in the Gulf of Mexico, prices should remain steady, or even go down, heading into Labor Day weekend.”
AAA also released a new survey of its travel advisors on topics and trends for this summer. They include:
- 59 percent of AAA travel advisors have seen more interest in travel insurance over the last 60 days.
- 83 percent of AAA travel advisors say the most common concern from travelers over the last 60 days was getting stranded by a delayed or canceled flight.
- 64 percent of AAA travel advisors say travelers who booked extended vacations (at least 14 nights) said having more time to explore destinations was their main reason for taking an extended trip.
- AAA travel advisors are seeing high interest among travelers for ocean and river cruises, plus all-inclusive and guided tour vacations.
- AAA Expects to Rescue 300,000 stranded motorists
Motel 6 shows appreciation
Economy lodging brands Motel 6 and Studio 6 are offering new stay discounts for all bookings made between Sept. 1 to 4 for My6 members, the company said. The free rewards program from Motel 6 and Studio 6 will grant loyalty members a 12 percent price reduction on all reservations made during the Labor Day Weekend, a company statement said.
"Our workforce powers the nation from coast to coast, and we are honored to leave the light on for them," said Julie Arrowsmith, president and Interim CEO of G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6. "Now, as a gesture of gratitude for all they do, Motel 6 is pleased to extend special Labor Day travel discounts for everyone hitting the road, whether for work or for play."
Outside the promotional period, My6 rewards members always receive a minimum 6 percent off their stay at over 1,400 Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations year-round. They also access hundreds of benefits across travel, streaming platforms, food, and entertainment.
In July, Motel 6 and Studio 6 partnered with the Humane Society of the United States for the 'More Than a Pet' campaign. This initiative increases awareness of the pet poverty crisis, provides financial support to needy pet owners, and improves access to care and supplies, all with the aim of keeping families and pets together.
Rep. Aaron Bean delivers keynote addressPhoto credit: AAHOA
