Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, which means that summer is coming to a close. This year, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, soak up the last of the warm weather before September hits with a road trip across the country or to your favorite destination. According to Edmunds, in a survey of 1,000 Americans, 40 percent of car owners said that they were definitely planning on jetting off during Labor Day weekend and another 34 percent are seriously considering it.
Survey findings
Statistics from the Edmunds website shows that nearly 80 percent of new car buyers are searching for their next vehicle with a potential road trip in mind. These consumers are most interested in the amount of cargo space their new vehicle can provide.
Other survey findings include the percentage of drivers willing to travel long distances during this weekend in order to reach their destination. Ninety-two percent of those surveyed would be willing to travel up to 500 miles to reach their vacation, whereas 49 percent of those surveyed are thinking of making the trip across the entire country.
Another survey question found that GPS, music and co-pilots are very important to drivers during a long road trip. Of those surveyed, 27 percent said GPS is a must-have, 24 percent recorded that they need music for the long drive and 25 percent believed having fellow passengers is necessary for the trip.
Depending on your patience level, you should reconsider bringing children with you on your trip - of the people who were surveyed with children, 45 percent believed they would threaten to turn the car around at least once during the trip.
Edmunds' survey also made sure to include some just-for-fun questions. Those surveyed reported that they would rather listen to road trip anthem classics like Lynryd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" than recent pop hits. Thirty-four percent of respondents also believed that they would take between one and 10 "selfies" on their Labor Day road trip - not while driving, of course.
Where to go
If you are part of the 34 percent of drivers who are thinking about taking a road trip this Labor Day but don't know where to go, consider taking a trip to some of these places in various places across the U.S. Some classic sightseeing destinations, according to Roadtrippers' website, include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. If you are looking for a vacation involving a bit more nature, try heading towards Acadia National Park in Maine or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. In the mood for some comfort food? Blue's Cafe in Kankakee, Illinois boasts the best pie in the Midwest, according to Roadtrippers.
No matter where you go, make sure that your car is properly tuned up and checked before you set off for the final trip of the summer. A preemptive vehicle maintenance check is crucial for the safety of yourself and your passengers on a long trip to the Midwest, East Coast or West Coast.