Labor Day weekend is the unofficial last chance to squeeze in a summer getaway. Americans are making the most of the long weekend, with travel bookings pointing to packed airports and roads fueled by cheaper hotels and steady gas prices.
Where does everyone travel to during Labor Day weekend in the U.S.A.?
According to AAA, Seattle, Orlando and New York top the list of domestic destinations this year. These cities make total sense: Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises wrapping up their season, Orlando’s theme parks remain a magnet for families and New York is unbeatable for its mix of culture, dining and holiday entertainment. Rounding out the top 10 U.S. spots are Boston, Anchorage, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Miami and Las Vegas—cities that promise everything from late-summer baseball to beach parties and nightlife.
Travelers are taking advantage of prices as domestic airfare is averaging $720 roundtrip, about 6% cheaper than last year. Hotels are down 11% and car rentals about 3% lower. Hertz says rental car demand will peak on Friday, August 29, with Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles and Atlanta seeing the heaviest pickup traffic.
Which cities outside the U.S. are the top Labor Day weekend destinations?
For those heading overseas, Vancouver is this year’s number one international pick. The Canadian city is a cool escape with mountain views, waterfront dining and easy access to late-season cruises. Europe also dominates Labor Day travel, with Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Edinburgh and Lisbon all ranking high for Americans looking to end summer abroad.
While international hotels are 2% cheaper, flights are running 8% higher than last year. Still, that hasn’t slowed demand—especially with Europe offering cooler weather, festivals and plenty of last-minute adventure.
Whether you’re hopping a flight to Orlando, hitting the road to Miami or splurging on a trip to Paris, this Labor Day is all about making summer’s final long weekend count.