Monday, 5 May is a holiday in the Dominican Republic. It celebrates Labor Day, which falls on Thursday, 1 May. The Ministry of Labor announced that it would be celebrated on Monday, instead of on Friday, 2 May. Regardless, hotel occupancy will be at an all time high for the long weekend. Thousands of Dominicans will seek respite from the high temperatures May brings and take off time for family and friends. If headed for one of the popular Dominican travel destinations, travelers are recommended to book in advance. Another recommendation is to return home before noontime on Monday in order to avoid traffic jams at toll booths. While in the past the Dominican government exempted travelers from paying the tolls on peak times on long weekends, after the toll booths were privatized, the companies are not foregoing their revenues.