AAA: Cruises, National Parks, and European Cities Popular Among Labor Day Travelers

As summer comes to an end, many travelers are taking advantage of the last long holiday weekend of the season. AAA booking data shows Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York are the top domestic destinations, while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris top the international list. This is also the time of year when savvy travelers begin planning vacations for next spring and summer.

“For those Americans who love to travel, Labor Day weekend is a chance to book one more memorable experience before the summer officially ends,” said 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.”

AAA East Central’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations

The Great Outdoors

Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer. Mild temperatures and longer days mean many travelers opt to explore the great outdoors. AAA bookings show that Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver are all top destinations, and there’s a common thread: Alaska cruises. AAA travel agents say U.S. National Parks are popular this time of year, with many travelers renting cars in Denver and Las Vegas and driving to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, September 4 will be the busiest pick-up day. In addition to Denver and Las Vegas, Hertz says Orlando, Los Angeles, and Boston also have high car rental demand during Labor Day weekend.

History and Culture

Whether it’s learning about U.S. history in Boston and Chicago or visiting ancient ruins in Rome and Athens, many Labor Day weekend travelers are seeking an educational experience. AAA travel agents say many members choose to explore historical cities, especially in Europe, with a guided tour. The planned itineraries, meals, and transportation offer peace of mind for travelers who don’t want to spend time researching and booking trips on their own.

Domestic vs. International

Whether travelers choose domestic versus international trips depends on their budget, schedule, and interests. Labor Day weekend travelers who are staying in the U.S. are paying 2% more for roundtrip flights compared to last year, averaging $750 per ticket. The price is even higher for people who are traveling to the top domestic destinations. AAA booking data shows those flights are 20% higher than last year, averaging nearly $800 per ticket. International flights are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend, averaging $1,240 per ticket.

Hitting the Road

For travelers taking road trips, gas prices are higher this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025 when crude oil prices were lower. Before hitting the road, AAA recommends checking tires, battery, and fluids to ensure a vehicle is in optimal condition. Packing an emergency kit with water, snacks, first-aid supplies, and essential tools like flashlights and jumper cables is also important. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for flat tires, dead batteries, and emergency towing.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says unlike longer holiday periods, travel over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window. Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday. That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes. INRIX recommends departing early, allowing additional time, and avoiding the middle of the afternoon whenever possible. Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a meaningful difference.

SOURCE: INRIX

Labor Day Weekend

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, September 3 through Monday, September 7, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day holiday period in 2025.

About INRIX   

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com. 

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. AAA East Central provides services to its members including Automotive, Insurance, Discounts & Rewards, Financial, and Travel. Find out more about AAA Membership and current savings here.