Trends Shaping 2026 Labor Day Travel

The last long holiday weekend of summer for Americans is Labor Day Weekend, and AAA’s latest travel trends data shows many travelers taking to colder-weather destinations and flying into airports within driving distance of national parks this year. 

AAA’s Labor Day Weekend data analyzed bookings between September 3 and September 7, and compared this year’s data with last year’s 5-day holiday period to see what’s changed.

“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “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.” 

What Destinations Are Trending for Domestic Labor Day Travel? 

This year, the top destinations are mostly connected to cold-weather destinations, cruise ports or national parks. 

AAA’s booking data found that travelers want to visit national parks this year, with many travelers renting cars at airport hubs like Denver and Las Vegas and driving to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon. Three top Alaska cruise port locations are also trending for Labor Day travel.

Labor Day domestic travel is 2% more expensive this year on average, with roundtrip tickets pricing out at around $750. Prices for more popular destinations are even higher, averaging around 20% higher than last year, at around $800 per ticket. 

The list of trending domestic destinations from first to tenth is listed below: 

• Seattle, WA
• Orlando, FL
• Boston, MA
• Denver, CO
• New York, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Anchorage, AK
• Atlanta, GA 

International Holiday Travel Trending Cheaper Than 2025 

Roundtrip international tickets are 4% cheaper this Labor Day holiday than they were in 2025, averaging $1,240 per ticket—not cheap by any means, but still not as high as in the recent past, giving travelers a bit of savings.

The top international destinations for Labor Day are as follows: 

• Rome, Italy
• Vancouver, Canada
• London, England
• Dublin, Ireland
• Calgary, Canada
• Barcelona, Spain
• Athens, Greece
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Halifax, Canada

Labor Day Weekend Road-Tripping Tips

Gas prices this holiday are elevated compared to last year, when they averaged $3.19, putting more pressure on road-trippers this year than last. 

INRIX, a transportation data and insight provider, is reporting that most travelers will start driving after work on Thursday, September 3 or during the day on Friday, September 4.

Travelers who’d like to avoid crowded freeways should drive on September 3 before 1:00 p.m., with the worst traffic expected from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Those driving on September 4 should get most of their driving done before noon, as conditions after that are expected to be heavy on major roadways. Those driving on September 5 should see the best driving experience before 10:00 a.m., with the worst in the afternoon. 

Luckily, those driving on September 6 should see minimal traffic impacts, as most travelers make use of an extra day off on Monday to drive home. Those heading home on Monday, September 7 should leave before noon, as the worst traffic will be between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. 

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore