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WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 24, 2026) – As summer season involves an finish, many vacationers are making the most of the final lengthy vacation weekend of the season. AAA reserving knowledge exhibits Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York are the highest home locations, whereas Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris prime the worldwide record. This can also be the time of yr when savvy vacationers start planning holidays for subsequent spring and summer season.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” stated Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “AAA members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing in Europe. Many of our members are also looking ahead to 2027 and booking cruises and tours now before they sell out.”
AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations
| RANKING | DOMESTIC | INTERNATIONAL |
| 1 | SEATTLE, WA | ROME, ITALY |
| 2 | ORLANDO, FL | VANCOUVER, CANADA |
| 3 | BOSTON, MA | LONDON, ENGLAND |
| 4 | DENVER, CO | DUBLIN, IRELAND |
| 5 | NEW YORK, NY | PARIS, FRANCE |
| 6 | CHICAGO, IL | CALGARY, CANADA |
| 7 | ANAHEIM/LOS ANGELES, CA | BARCELONA, SPAIN |
| 8 | LAS VEGAS, NV | ATHENS, GREECE |
| 9 | ANCHORAGE, AK | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
| 10 | ATLANTA, GA | HALIFAX, CANADA |
The Great Outdoors
Labor Day weekend vacationers need to squeeze probably the most out of the unofficial finish of summer season. Mild temperatures and longer days imply many vacationers decide to discover the good outdoor. AAA bookings present that Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver are all prime locations, and there’s a standard thread: Alaska cruises. AAA journey brokers say U.S. National Parks are common this time of yr, with many vacationers renting vehicles in Denver and Las Vegas and driving to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon. AAA automobile rental associate Hertz says Friday, September 4 would be the busiest pick-up day. In addition to Denver and Las Vegas, Hertz says Orlando, Los Angeles, and Boston even have excessive automobile rental demand throughout Labor Day weekend.
History and Culture
Whether it’s studying about U.S. historical past in Boston and Chicago or visiting historic ruins in Rome and Athens, many Labor Day weekend vacationers are looking for an academic expertise. AAA journey brokers say many members select to discover historic cities, particularly in Europe, with a guided tour. The deliberate itineraries, meals, and transportation provide peace of thoughts for vacationers who don’t wish to spend time researching and reserving journeys on their very own.
Domestic vs. International
Whether vacationers select home versus worldwide journeys is determined by their funds, schedule, and pursuits. Labor Day weekend vacationers who’re staying within the U.S. are paying 2% extra for roundtrip flights in comparison with final yr, averaging $750 per ticket. The worth is even increased for people who find themselves touring to the highest home locations. AAA reserving knowledge exhibits these flights are 20% increased than final yr, averaging almost $800 per ticket. International flights are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend, averaging $1,240 per ticket.
Hitting the Road
For vacationers taking street journeys, fuel costs are increased this Labor Day weekend in comparison with final yr. The nationwide common for a gallon of normal gasoline was $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025 when crude oil costs have been decrease. Before hitting the street, AAA recommends checking your tires, battery, and fluids to make sure your car is in optimum situation. Packing an emergency equipment with water, snacks, first-aid provides, and important instruments like flashlights and jumper cables can also be essential. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to greater than 400,000 roadside help requires flat tires, lifeless batteries, and emergency towing.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend
INRIX, a supplier of transportation knowledge and insights, says unlike longer vacation durations, journey over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated inside a brief window. Many vacationers will hit the street after work on Thursday or throughout the day on Friday. That will deliver vacation site visitors onto roads which can be already carrying regular commuter volumes. INRIX recommends departing early, permitting further time, and avoiding the center of the afternoon each time attainable. Even leaving an hour or two earlier could make a significant distinction.
| Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car | ||
| Date | Best Travel Time | Worst Travel Time |
| Thursday, September 3 | Before 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday, September 4 | Before 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday, September 5 | Before 10:00 AM | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday, September 6 | Minimal Traffic Impact Expected | |
| Monday, September 7 | Before 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Peak Congestion by Metro | ||||
| Metro | Route | Peak Congestion | Est. Time | Increase Over Normal |
| Atlanta | Atlanta to Birmingham through I-20 W | Monday 7:30 PM | 3 hours 18 minutes | 65% |
| Boston | Boston to Providence through I-95 S | Friday 3:30 PM | 1 hour 32 minutes | 105% |
| Chicago | Indianapolis to Chicago through I-65 N | Friday 5:15 PM | 5 hours 16 minutes | 76% |
| Denver | Denver to Fort Collins through I-25 N | Thursday 12:00 PM | 1 hour 39 minutes | 81% |
| Detroit | Detroit to Grand Rapids through I-96 W | Thursday 4:45 PM | 3 hours 28 minutes | 37% |
| Houston | Galveston to Houston through I-45 N | Thursday 5:00 PM | 1 hour 25 minutes | 39% |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles to San Diego through I-5 S | Friday 6:00 PM | 5 hours 19 minutes | 75% |
| Minneapolis | Minneapolis to Brainerd through US-169 N | Thursday 4:15 PM | 3 hours 34 minutes | 32% |
| New York | New York to Jersey Shore through Garden St Pkwy S | Thursday 4:15 PM | 2 hours 23 minutes | 68% |
| Philadelphia | Baltimore to Philadelphia through I-95 N | Friday 11:00 AM | 3 hours 14 minutes | 57% |
| Portland | Eugene to Portland through I-5 N | Friday 3:00 PM | 3 hours 6 minutes | 77% |
| San Diego | San Diego to Palm Springs through I-15 N | Thursday 5:45 PM | 4 hours 12 minutes | 50% |
| San Francisco | San Francisco to Sacramento through I-80 E | Friday 5:45 PM | 4 hours 40 minutes | 81% |
| Seattle | Seattle to Ellensburg through I-90 E | Monday 7:15 PM | 3 hours 14 minutes | 121% |
| Tampa | Tampa to Orlando through I-4 E | Friday 3:45 PM | 2 hours 56 minutes | 65% |
| Washington, DC | Baltimore to Washington, DC through Balt/Wash Pkwy S | Thursday 4:45 PM | 1 hour 24 minutes | 90% |
SOURCE: INRIX
Labor Day Weekend
AAA checked out reserving knowledge for Thursday, September 3 by way of Monday, September 7, and in contrast these numbers with reserving knowledge for that very same five-day vacation interval in 2025.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive fanatics advocating for higher roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one in all North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA offers world-class roadside help, journey planning, unique reductions, and dependable monetary and insurance coverage companies. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of greater than 66 million members throughout North America, together with over 58 million within the United States. Learn extra or turn out to be a member at AAA.com.
About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered clever mobility options by reworking huge knowledge from related units and autos into mobility insights. This revolutionary method enabled INRIX to turn out to be one of many main suppliers of knowledge and analytics into how individuals transfer. By empowering cities, companies, and folks with precious insights, INRIX helps to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With companions and options spanning throughout your entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned on the intersection of know-how and transportation – whether or not it’s maintaining street customers protected, bettering site visitors sign timing to cut back delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing final mile supply, or serving to uncover market insights. Learn extra at INRIX.com.
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