CALIFORNIA — More people are expected to travel this Labor Day weekend than last year, capping a record-breaking summer tourism season, the Walnut Creek-based AAA Club of Northern California said.
AAA booking data showed increased demand for cruises to Alaska, European cities and tourist attractions.
Port cities like Seattle, Anchorage and Juneau have seen cruise bookings increase by up to 30% compared to 2023. All three cities are among this year's most popular domestic Labor Day destinations, along with other cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend increased 9% compared to last year, while the cost of travel within the U.S. decreased 2%. In addition to Seattle, top Labor Day weekend destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas and Denver.
The trend is different for international destinations: AAA booking data shows a 4% decline in international travel this year. Vancouver tops the list of most popular international destinations, followed by European cities like Rome, London and Paris.
“When it comes to Labor Day travel, timing is everything,” said Brian Ng, senior vice president of membership and travel marketing for AAA Northern California. “To make the most of the holiday, travel early, have a backup plan and plan activities that will allow you to savor the last moments of the season.”
AAA offers four tips for travelers traveling this Labor Day:
