The Labor Day weekend consistently ranks as one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, signifying the unofficial close of summer.
In 2025, new research from AAA Travel reveals that Americans are seizing this opportunity to enjoy an extended break, with popular destinations such as Seattle, Orlando, and New York leading the charge.
Fortunately for travelers, costs are more manageable this year compared to last.
Airfares for roundtrip flights within the country are averaging lower fares, hotel rates have declined significantly, and car rentals are also seeing slight reductions in price.
Families heading to theme parks in Orlando, culture enthusiasts exploring New York, or cruise passengers departing from Seattle are benefiting from these savings, allowing for a focus on experiences rather than mere travel expenses.
This trend reflects a broader transformation within the travel market, showing an increase in flight availability and hotel accommodations, alongside steady petrol prices that enhance the appeal of both road trips and city getaways.
Furthermore, the draw of cruises from Seattle to Alaska and Broadway shows in New York is capturing considerable attention, indicating that Americans are eager to squeeze in one last adventure before the onset of autumn routines.
The findings by AAA indicate that the emphasis of 2025’s Labor Day weekend travel encompasses not just favored destinations but also the elements of affordability and smarter travel decisions.
This combination of reduced costs and elevated demand underscores a vibrant, resilient travel market as summer draws to a close.
**The Last Summer Escape**
Labor Day weekend has become a pivotal moment in the American travel landscape.
For countless families, couples, and friends, it signifies the last opportunity to embark on a getaway before returning to autumn’s structure.
AAA Travel’s latest data illustrates clear trends regarding destinations, pricing, and driving conditions evident in the ongoing travel rush.
The overview provided is both exciting and optimistic.
This year, airfares are lower, hotel rates are down, and even car rental prices have decreased compared to the previous year.
Travelers are gravitating towards city breaks, family trips to theme parks, road excursions, and cruises.
Others are opting to save by sticking closer to home while the nationwide trend reflects a collective desire to finalize one last trip for the season.
**Seattle, Orlando, and New York Lead the List**
According to AAA booking data, the most sought-after cities for Labor Day weekend 2025 are Seattle, Orlando, and New York, with each location offering a unique holiday experience that resonates with travelers.
Seattle tops the list as it acts as a crucial base for Alaskan cruises that are completing their summer operations.
Meanwhile, Vancouver, Canada, is noted as the most popular international destination, further illustrating the strong demand for Alaska cruise escapades.
Orlando captures the second spot, with its renowned theme parks attracting families eager to experience Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other attractions prior to the academic year beginning.
The reduction in flight costs has significantly improved Orlando’s affordability as a destination this year.
Rounding out the top three, New York’s allure stems from its Broadway shows, extensive museums, and iconic landmarks drawing visitors from all corners of the country.
The city’s rich mix of culture, retail, and events assures that it remains a classic choice for long weekends.
Additional domestic favorites comprise Boston, Anchorage, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, and Las Vegas.
These diverse locations highlight the blend of both urban excitement and scenic adventures that Americans seek in their travel plans.
**International Travel: Vancouver, Rome, and Dublin**
While domestic travel commands the majority, international travel experiences are showing resilience.
Vancouver, Canada, continues to be the top international destination, closely linked to the popularity of Alaskan cruises.
Passengers can embark on cruises in Vancouver that navigate breathtaking northern waters.
Following Vancouver, popular European cities, including Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Edinburgh, and Lisbon make it to the top ten.
For many, Labor Day weekend provides an opportunity to prolong summer with a European getaway.
Despite higher airfare this year, accommodation prices in these foreign cities have seen slight reductions, showcasing stable demand even amidst rising travel costs.
**Why Prices Are Lower in the US**
A striking finding in AAA’s exploration is the observed decline in domestic travel expenses.
Presently, average roundtrip airfare across the U.S. stands at $720, reflecting a 6% decrease from the previous year.
Mean hotel costs are down 11%, while car rental rates have dipped by 3%.
Several factors contribute to this favorable development.
First, airlines have increased capacity on popular routes, effectively dispersing passenger demand.
Second, a rise in hotel availability, fueled by new room additions in key cities, has improved the lodging landscape.
Third, steady fuel prices have helped rental car companies maintain reasonable fees instead of significantly raising prices.
The convergence of these elements brings about a more budget-friendly holiday weekend.
This news is heartening for Americans who faced escalating travel prices in recent years, particularly during the post-pandemic economic recovery period.
**The Role of Gas Prices**
Road travel remains one of the most favored methods of transportation during Labor Day, particularly among families heading out on brief trips to beaches, lakes, and national parks.
This year, stable petrol prices are positively impacting the situation.
Presently, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is less than last year’s rate of $3.33 per gallon.
Provided that weather disturbances, such as tropical storms or hurricanes, don’t compromise Gulf Coast refineries, fuel prices should retain their steadiness.
In fact, 2025 has experienced a lower incidence of fluctuations compared to previous years, thanks to stable crude oil prices, making road trip planning simpler and more economical.
**When to Drive and When to Stay Home**
Traffic remains a significant hurdle to consider during the weekend of travel.
According to INRIX, a transport data consultant, there are specific recommendations on optimal travel times during this holiday weekend.
For the best experience, travelers should aim to depart early in the day.
On Thursday, August 28, the recommended departure time is before 1:00 PM, with congestion predicted between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
For Friday, August 29, the ideal departure window opens before noon, as roads become congested from then until 8:00 PM when mass travel begins.
The situation will be particularly hectic on Saturday.
Travelers should aim to start their journey between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM to avoid heavy traffic, which is expected to intensify throughout the day.
Sunday and Monday mornings could be more manageable, however, afternoons are projected to see heavy return traffic.
For those situated in metropolitan regions such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, travel times on key routes could potentially double.
In extreme cases, such as traveling from Boston to Manchester, traffic delays may exceed 100%, rendering effective planning essential.
**Car Rentals and the Friday Rush**
AAA’s car rental ally, Hertz, indicates that Friday, August 29, is the peak day for car rental pick-ups.
Top cities for rentals include Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Many families utilize rental vehicles to enhance their trips by visiting nearby attractions.
This spike in demand emphasizes the need for early reservations.
Despite overall lower rates, last-minute bookings might lead to limited availability, particularly concerning larger vehicles such as SUVs and minivans, which are particularly desirable for family excursions.
**Why Travel Matters on Labor Day**
As stated by AAA Travel’s Vice President, Stacey Barber, “Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins.”
This encapsulates the emotional significance tied to the holiday, highlighting that travel transcends cost and logistics; it embodies the creation of lasting memories.
Families are keen to celebrate the summer’s conclusion, couples seek to relish one last romantic getaway before their schedules resume, and friends yearn to gather for enjoyment prior to shifting commitments of autumn.
Even with potential drawbacks such as traffic congestion, crowded attractions, or busy airports, millions of people continue to opt for travel.
Labor Day has evolved into a symbol of summer, reinforcing the idea that it remains a cultural milestone.
**Alaska Cruises: A Star Attraction**
Amidst the array of available options, Alaska cruises stand out as a premier attraction.
Both Seattle and Vancouver are hot spots for travelers, serving as major embarkation points for these enchanting voyages.
The 2025 cruise season is particularly robust, having been anticipated earlier this year in AAA’s Cruise Forecast.
For many, an Alaskan cruise represents a dream getaway, with its breathtaking glaciers, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring vistas.
This journey is considered to be the pinnacle of summer adventures for numerous travelers.
The surge in cruise demand not only underscores the individual allure of the experience itself but also significantly benefits the economies of two major cities.
**A Changing Travel Market**
The trends unveiled by AAA reveal vital insights regarding the American travel landscape.
Foremost is the fact that price continues to be a crucial determining factor; lower airfares, hotel rates, and rental car costs draw more travelers towards domestic experiences.
Secondly, the attraction of cruises remains a driving force for tourism in port cities.
Lastly, road trips persist as a favorite choice, supported by the consistent fuel pricing.
At the same time, travelers demonstrate adaptive strategies in their travel plans.
Individuals are often opting for shorter trips or choosing destinations closer to home to economize.
Others are creatively merging international travel with local adventures, showcasing a balanced approach to exploring the world while managing finances.
**Conclusion: One Last Journey Before Autumn**
As the Labor Day weekend of 2025 unfolds, Americans are embarking on travels nationwide.
From the cruise terminals in Seattle to the theme parks in Orlando, from the dazzling lights of Broadway in New York to the vibrant streets of European capitals, travelers are busy filling planes, hotels, and rental cars.
These journeys are made feasible by lower domestic travel costs and stable fuel prices, coupled with insightful traffic forecasts encouraging early departures.
Motivated by the emotional significance of the end of summer, travelers are keen to seize this opportunity.
Labor Day signifies more than just a calendar date; it embodies a cultural moment—a brief pause before the march of routine resumes.
With more affordable options and enticing destinations this year, it stands true once again that Americans will seize their last chance for a summer adventure.
image source from：travelandtourworld
