A popular U.S. destination for Labor Day travel is becoming even more popular as a late-summer vacation destination.
Seattle is the top Labor Day weekend destination in the United States, according to AAA booking data, which revealed the city gained 30% in popularity this year among domestic travelers after also topping the list in 2023.
According to AAA booking data, total domestic travel increased 9%, while the cost of travel within the United States decreased 2%.
Americans who travel by car can expect savings on their gas bills. The average price of gasoline is now about $3.50 a gallon, compared with a national average of $3.81 during Labor Day weekend a year ago. Overall demand for gasoline is down, partly because the pandemic has enabled remote work, which has changed driving habits.
Fewer Americans plan to travel abroad over Labor Day weekend this year compared to 2023, according to AAA data. While the cost of domestic travel is down slightly, the cost of international travel has jumped 11%, according to AAA.
When it comes to international destinations, European countries are the most popular vacation destinations for U.S. travelers. Eight of the top ten most booked international destinations through AAA are European cities.
When is the best time to travel on Labor Day?
Airports and roads will start to get congested starting Thursday, Aug. 29, as Labor Day weekend approaches. Roads are expected to be more congested in the afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday, according to Inrix, which provides transportation information and data.
If you're traveling on Thursday or Friday, plan to hit the road in the morning to avoid traffic jams, experts advise. If you're not leaving until Saturday, it's best to wait until the afternoon to leave.
“Motorists should expect increased traffic congestion heading into the holiday weekend, when commuters will mix with travelers,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at Inrix, said in a statement. “Traffic monitoring apps, local news stations and 511 traveler information services can help drivers navigate traffic jams and reduce driver frustration during Labor Day.”
Traffic is expected to be heavier Sunday afternoon and on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.
Here are the top 10 domestic and international destinations for Labor Day travel.
Top 10 National Destinations
- Seattle, Washington
- Orlando, Florida
- Anchorage, Alaska
- New York, New York State
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Denver, CO
- Chicago, Illinois
- Juneau, Alaska
Top 10 International Destinations
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Rome, Italy
- London, England
- Paris, France
- Dublin, Ireland
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Barcelona, Spain
- Athens, Greece
- Mexicali, Mexico
- Edinburgh, Scotland
