AAA expects a 2.4% decrease in travel this Labor Day weekend, down from 32.3 to 31.5 million travelers.

This decline is in reaction to recent economic uncertainty and increasing airfares said Glen MacDonnell, director of AAA travel services, in recent report. The aftermath of hurricane Irene on the East Coast is also expected to decrease the number travelers to many popular coastal destinations.

Holiday travel was defined in AAA report as those traveling more than 50 miles from their home between the dates of September 1 and Sept. 5.

Air transportation is expected to decrease by 1.9% as airfares continued to rise. Alternative modes of transportation (train, ferry, etc) are expected to take the biggest hit, down 34%.

However, slightly more passengers will be driving to their destination this year. 87% of holiday travelers are expected to choose to drive due to the current trend of falling gas prices. However, gas on average is 85 cents higher than last year.

To find fun ideas and things to do this Labor Day weekend, check out AAA list of fairs and festivals.

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