Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
Americans are closing out summer with Labor Day getaways despite higher travel costs and expected traffic delays. AAA booking data shows strong demand for destinations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with Seattle, Orlando, Rome, and London among the most popular choices. Travelers face higher fuel, airfare, and hotel costs this year, while domestic cruise prices trend lower.
“Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman 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 Labor Day Travel Destinations for 2026
Top Domestic Destinations
- Seattle, WA
- Orlando, FL
- Boston, MA
- Denver, CO
- New York, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Anchorage, AK
- Atlanta, GA
Top International Destinations
- Rome, Italy
- Vancouver, Canada
- London, England
- Dublin, Ireland
- Paris, France
- Calgary, Canada
- Barcelona, Spain
- Athens, Greece
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Halifax, Canada
Labor Day Travel Costs Rise for Flights and Hotels
Travelers are paying more for several major components of a Labor Day vacation this year.
AAA booking data shows average domestic airfare is up 2% compared to last year, averaging $750 for a roundtrip ticket. For travelers flying to the most popular Labor Day destinations, airfare is nearly 20% higher than last year, averaging $790.
Travelers are also paying more for accommodations. Domestic hotel bookings are up 9% compared to last Labor Day weekend, while international hotel bookings are 12% more expensive.
Not every travel category saw price increases. International airfare is down 4% year over year, creating opportunities for travelers looking beyond U.S. borders.
Cruises and National Parks Drive Labor Day Travel Demand
Many Labor Day travelers are looking to make the most of the unofficial end of summer by exploring the outdoors.
AAA travel advisors report strong demand for Alaska cruises and national park vacations. Cruise demand is helping drive interest in destinations such as Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver, while travelers flying into cities like Denver and Las Vegas often continue on to destinations including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon national parks.
AAA booking data shows cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% less expensive than last year, averaging $2,700 per booking. Travel advisors say travelers continue to view cruises as a convenient vacation option because transportation, accommodations, dining, and entertainment are bundled into a single package.
Gas Prices May Be More Expensive Than Last Labor Day
While it is still too early to predict what gas prices will be over Labor Day weekend, current market trends suggest drivers may pay more at the pump than they did a year ago. On Labor Day 2025, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.19, while Georgia drivers paid an average of $2.89 per gallon. Based on recent increases in fuel costs, drivers could see higher prices this holiday travel season.
Crude oil, which accounts for roughly half the price consumers pay for gasoline, remains more expensive than it was a year ago. Energy analysts also point to strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories as factors that continue to support higher fuel prices.
For travelers planning a road trip, fuel costs are likely to be another expense to factor into their holiday vacation budget.
Labor Day Traffic Forecast: Best and Worst Times to Travel
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the heaviest congestion to occur Thursday and Friday as holiday travelers share the road with regular commuter traffic.
The worst times to travel are expected to be:
- Thursday, Sept. 3: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 4: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Unlike longer holiday periods, Labor Day travel is often concentrated into a shorter window, resulting in significant congestion as holiday travelers mix with normal commuter traffic.
AAA encourages motorists to depart early, allow extra travel time, and avoid afternoon departures whenever possible.
More Than 400,000 Drivers Needed Roadside Assistance Last Labor Day
For travelers choosing to drive, vehicle preparation remains critical.
During last year’s Labor Day holiday period, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for common issues, including dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and towing.
Before leaving, drivers should:
- Check tire pressure and tread
- Test the battery
- Inspect fluid levels
- Pack water, snacks, and emergency supplies
- Carry a flashlight and jumper cables
Before You Go: AAA’s Labor Day Travel Checklist
Travelers can save time, reduce stress, and avoid unexpected travel disruptions by planning ahead:
- Monitor traffic conditions and leave early to avoid peak congestion periods
- Check flights and travel itineraries before heading to the airport
- Reserve hotels, rental cars, attractions, and parking in advance
- Inspect your vehicle’s tires, battery, and fluid levels before a road trip
- Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, a flashlight, and jumper cables
- Monitor gas prices and fill up before reaching heavily traveled corridors where prices may be higher
Planning a Labor Day Getaway?
AAA travel advisors can help travelers compare destinations, identify available discounts, book cruises, tours, hotels, rental cars, and travel insurance, and create customized vacation plans. AAA members may also have access to exclusive travel savings and benefits. To learn more, visit AAA.com/Travel.
About AAA’s Labor Day Booking Analysis
AAA’s Labor Day analysis is based on AAA booking data for travel between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7, 2026, compared with the same holiday period in 2025. The data provides insight into destination demand, travel costs, and consumer travel trends during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
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