Top 10 destinations for Labor Day weekend
FILE – Travelers arrive at Miami International Airport at the start of the Labor Day weekend in Miami, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Americans are squeezing in one last summer getaway over Labor Day weekend, with travelers heading to major cities, cruise ports and gateways to some of the country’s most popular national parks.
Booking data from AAA, the nonprofit federation of motor clubs best known for its travel and roadside assistance services, shows Seattle is the most popular domestic destination for the holiday weekend, followed by Orlando and Boston.
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Top 10 US destinations
Here are AAA’s top 10 domestic Labor Day destinations for 2026:
- Seattle, Washington
- Orlando, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Denver, Colorado
- New York, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Atlanta, Georgia
Seattle’s No. 1 ranking comes amid strong demand for Alaska cruises, while Orlando remains a major draw for theme park vacations. Denver and Las Vegas also serve as gateways for travelers heading to national parks, including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon.
“Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“Whether it’s a cruise, a national park adventure, or an international trip, travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend.”
Top 10 international destinations
Travelers heading overseas are also favoring major European cities and Canadian destinations.
Here are AAA’s top 10 international destinations for Labor Day weekend:
- Rome, Italy
- Vancouver, Canada
- London, England
- Dublin, Ireland
- Paris, France
- Calgary, Canada
- Barcelona, Spain
- Athens, Greece
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Halifax, Canada
Higher costs hit holiday travelers
Travelers heading to the most popular Labor Day destinations are paying substantially more to fly this year.
Airfare to the top destinations is nearly 20% higher than last year, averaging $790, according to AAA booking data.
Across all domestic bookings, average roundtrip airfare is $750, up 2% from last year.
International travelers are getting some relief, however. Average international airfare is down 4% year over year.
Hotel prices are also higher
Accommodations are taking a bigger bite out of travelers’ budgets.
Domestic hotel bookings are 9% more expensive than during last year’s Labor Day weekend, while international hotel bookings have risen 12%.
The increases come as Americans continue to prioritize end-of-summer vacations despite higher travel costs.
Cruise prices buck rising travel costs
Cruises are bucking the trend of rising vacation costs.
AAA booking data shows cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% cheaper than last year, averaging about $2,700 per booking.
Alaska cruises are seeing particularly strong demand, helping drive travelers to Seattle, Anchorage and Vancouver.
Cruises can also offer travelers a way to bundle transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment into one vacation package.
Higher gas prices
Road trippers may also face higher costs.
The national average price of gasoline was $3.19 per gallon on Labor Day 2025, and market conditions suggest motorists could pay more this year.
Crude oil prices, strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories are among the factors supporting higher fuel prices.
