- AAA: Seattle is top Labor Day destination.
- Travelers are renting cars for national park trips.
- Gas prices are higher than last Labor Day.
SEATTLE, ORLANDO AND Boston are the top U.S. destinations for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA Travel. Denver and New York complete the top five for the Sept. 3 to 7 holiday period.
AAA’s booking data showed Chicago, Anaheim/Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Anchorage and Atlanta round out the top 10 U.S. destinations. Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris lead the international list.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” said Stacey Barber, AAA Travel’s vice president. “AAA members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing in Europe. Many of our members are also looking ahead to 2027 and booking cruises and tours now before they sell out.”
Seattle, Anchorage and Vancouver are among the top destinations for Alaska cruises, while U.S. national parks also draw travelers, the report said. Travelers are renting cars in Denver and Las Vegas to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon.
Gas prices are higher than last Labor Day. Regular gas averaged $3.19 a gallon on Labor Day 2025, when crude oil prices were lower. Hertz expects Friday, Sept. 4, to be its busiest pickup day, with high demand in Orlando, Los Angeles and Boston.
Meanwhile, U.S. travelers are paying 2 percent more for roundtrip domestic flights than last year, averaging $750. Flights to top domestic destinations average nearly $800, up 20 percent, while international flights average $1,240, down 4 percent.
AAA travel agents also report interest in history and culture travel. Boston and Chicago attract travelers interested in U.S. history, while Rome and Athens draw visitors to ancient sites. Guided tours offer planned itineraries, meals and transportation.
In July, AAA Travel forecast that about 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home for the July 4 holiday weekend. The forecast topped last year’s record of 71.8 million but marked a smaller year-over-year increase.
