Labor Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year (especially in Atlanta), but you don’t have to fall prey to traffic snarls and endless airport delays. This year, do it right by avoiding crowds and taking advantage of some fantastic shopping along the way.

To skip traffic jams, leave earlier or later than most. Leave after 2PM Thursday, or even Wednesday evening if you can. Avoid driving on Saturday, and either get up bright and early to return on Labor Day, or set out after 3PM to get home.

To save money on a fabulous vacation, be flexible with flights and accommodations. Many travel sites offer awesome last-minute travel deals—but travelers may have to compromise. Stay at a chain you’ve never tried before, or work with an unusual flight schedule, and you may score yourself an unforgettable weekend for a great price.

You don’t have to leave home to snag killer sales. Upscale department store, Nordstrom, is slashing 50% off their sale items, while online retailer 6pm.com offers up to 70% off their clearance section. If cheap travel appeals to you, Expedia advertises up to 50% off their usual hotel prices. Tech junkies will be happy that Best Buy is offering up to 70% discounts on Apple products, TVs, smartphones, tablets, and more.

Interested in vacationing in Big Canoe for Labor Day or beyond? Check out some of the options HERE, to help you in your search for a rental property. You never know what kind of last minute deals you can find!

However you celebrate it, we wish you a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend—and in Big Canoe, fun is always easy to find!