Last-Minute Labor Day Escape: Insider Tips from Travel Advisors

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 7:25 PM ET, Thu August 20, 2026

Labor Day is a mere two weeks away, and if you haven’t finalized the details of a getaway, it may still be possible to get something on the books.

The key is being flexible with your dates and knowing which destinations are more likely to have availability and which types of getaways may still offer an opportunity.

To break down these details — and help you save money on a Labor Day getaway — we asked travel advisors to share their insider’s advice for navigating the popular holiday weekend.

Group of young people going on a road trip.

Consider driving instead of flying

First things first, Americans far and wide have been feeling the economic pinch over the past year and a half as the cost of living has skyrocketed due to inflation under the Trump Administration and the ramifications of the U.S. - Israel attack on Iran.

Meaning, saving money on travel is top of mind for many consumers. According to research released by the job platform Monster earlier this year, 52% of workers say rising living costs are causing them to stay home more often this summer, and 37% are looking for lower-cost leisure activities.

With flight prices being extraordinarily high this year compared to the past few years, Fora travel advisor Chirag Panchal suggests weighing your options between flying and driving and taking a road trip when possible.

Americans have apparently gotten the memo on this front. Data released earlier this week by Hertz shows that road trips are on the uptick.

If, despite the steep prices, you're planning to fly and need a rental car to get around your destination, Panchal advises reserving a hybrid or electric car to cut down on your gas bill.

“Most rental car companies now have electric cars in their company fleet and electric chargers are readily accessible in most parts of the country,” says Panchal. “You may need to stop a bit longer to charge a car [then to fuel up], but it ends up being a lot cheaper than paying for gas.”

Book soon and be flexible with travel dates

Reserving a flight last-minute is a strategy some travelers rely upon to score a deal, hoping prices will drop and become more budget-friendly. But when it comes to busy travel periods, that's not not necessarily your best bet.

“If you find a flight with a price and schedule that works for you, book it. Waiting and hoping the price will come down can be a gamble and can often cost you more or the flight could even become unavailable,” says Rachel Spain, an advisor with Travelmation.

With Labor Day just around the corner, hopefully you've secured that flight already. If you haven't, flexibility is key. Instead of automatically seeking to travel Friday through Monday, check out other options like Saturday through Tuesday or other similar date combinations, suggests Spain.

“A little flexibility can sometimes mean better pricing and a big difference for your overall budget,” she explains.

Panchal tells clients who are able to be flexible with their travel dates to leave earlier in the week. “Avoid evening flights as well, especially on Thursday or Friday, as those are when most people are going to be traveling,” she says.

Marisa Cunha, an ASTA-verified advisor with Envoyage, travels every year for Labor Day and follows this rule herself.

“Flexibility is everything when it comes to Labor Day travel,” she says. “This year I booked a Monday through Sunday itinerary instead of the typical Saturday or Sunday departure. That one change saved me hundreds of dollars, and it's exactly the kind of strategy I use to help my clients get the most value from their travel budget.”

Know where to look

Travel advisors have the inside track on how to book a last-minute vacation successfully, and many will tell you that a cruise is your best bet.

“Cruises are a great option for singles, couples, families, and multi-generational groups,” explains Spain. “With meals, entertainment, activities, and plenty of time to relax built right in, you can get a lot of vacation for your money.”

An all-inclusive resort, especially in the Caribbean, is another great last-minute escape choice. Your accommodations, meals, drinks, and many activities are included, so there’s less to plan - and you have a much better idea of your total cost upfront, Spain says.

“I also love exploring a big city in the United States,” continues Spain. “Many major cities offer hop-on, hop-off tours, giving you an affordable and easy way to see the top sights without having to plan every stop.”

Consider unexpected alternatives

One of Cunha's favorite Labor Day travel tips is something she calls "weekend cities" in Europe. “We tend to think of places like London, Paris, Munich and Rome as bucket-list vacations, but they actually make fantastic three- or four-day getaways,” explains Cunha.

“With nonstop flights available from many East Coast gateways, these cities are more accessible than people realize, making them perfect for a Labor Day weekend escape,” adds Cunha.

Avoid the crowds 

Holiday weekends are notorious for drawing big crowds to popular landmarks and destinations. If you’re crowd averse (raising hand), not to worry. Advisors have suggestions for you as well.

“If you are an outdoorsy person, skip the popular national parks and famous beaches. Instead opt for smaller, more local state parks and beaches,” says Panchal. “On trails and hikes, most people will turn back around after the first two miles. Try going further into the hike to beat the crowds."

Last-minute deals are real

You can’t believe every travel hack you see or read about online, says Cunha. But there’s one hack that she truly stands behind: Last-minute deals are absolutely real.

“Booking early is still my first recommendation, but life happens. When clients decide they want to get away on short notice, I can often tap into exclusive offers through our hotel, cruise and travel partners that they wouldn't necessarily find on their own,” she says.

Know who can help make last-minute travel magic happen

Whether it’s flight reservations, hotel reservations or securing an affordable hotel, remember that working with an expert travel advisor can help you secure promotions, along with access to preferred partner rates and perks at hotels.

“Last-minute doesn’t have to mean stressful,” says Spain. “A travel advisor can help you sort through the options, find what works for your budget, and take some of the last-minute planning off your plate. You may have planned it late, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some great memories.”

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