Labor Day Brings Sizzling Travel Weekend –

Cruises, National Parks, and European Cities Popular Among Holiday Travelers

AP File Photo

El Capitan stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif., on this file photograph. National Parks are a high vacation spot for home vacationers on Labor Day Weekend, in keeping with AAA.

PITTSBURGH – As summer time involves an finish, many vacationers are benefiting from the final lengthy vacation weekend of the season.

AAA reserving knowledge reveals Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York are the highest home locations, whereas Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris high the worldwide checklist. This can be the time of yr when savvy vacationers start planning holidays for subsequent spring and summer time.

“For those Americans who love to travel, Labor Day weekend is a chance to book one more memorable experience before the summer officially ends,” stated Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. “Alaska cruises, river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing tours in Europe are all popular destinations this fall. And many of our members are also looking ahead to 2027 and booking cruises and tours now before they sell out.”

The Great Outdoors

Labor Day weekend vacationers need to squeeze essentially the most out of the unofficial finish of summer time. Mild temperatures and longer days imply many vacationers decide to discover the good outside. AAA bookings present that Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver are all high locations, and there is a widespread thread: Alaska cruises. AAA journey brokers say U.S. National Parks are widespread 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 automotive rental companion 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 automotive rental demand throughout Labor Day weekend.

History and Culture

Whether it is studying about U.S. historical past in Boston and Chicago or visiting historic ruins in Rome and Athens, many Labor Day weekend vacationers are searching 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 supply peace of thoughts for vacationers who do not need to spend time researching and reserving journeys on their very own.

Domestic vs. International

Whether vacationers select home versus worldwide journeys depends upon 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 larger for people who find themselves touring to the highest home locations. AAA reserving knowledge reveals these flights are 20% larger 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 larger this Labor Day weekend in comparison with final yr. The nationwide common for a gallon of standard gasoline was $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025 when crude oil costs have been decrease. Before hitting the street, AAA recommends checking tires, battery, and fluids to make sure a automobile is in optimum situation. Packing an emergency package with water, snacks, first-aid provides, and important instruments like flashlights and jumper cables can be necessary. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to greater than 400,000 roadside help requires flat tires, useless 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 not like 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 in the course of the day on Friday. That will convey vacation site visitors onto roads which might be already carrying regular commuter volumes. INRIX recommends departing early, permitting further time, and avoiding the center of the afternoon at any time when doable. Even leaving an hour or two earlier could make a significant distinction.

Labor Day Weekend

AAA checked out reserving knowledge for Thursday, Sept. 3 via Monday, Sept. 7, and in contrast these numbers with reserving knowledge for that very same five-day vacation interval in 2025.