As the record-breaking summer travel season comes to a close, the Labor Day holiday weekend offers one last chance for many Americans to hit the road or take to the skies. While AAA does not provide a full travel forecast for this holiday, it has highlighted several trends and tips to help travelers navigate the busy weekend.
Domestic Travel: This year, domestic travel is up 9% compared to 2023, while the cost of traveling within the United States has decreased by 2%. Alaska cruises, in particular, are a hit, with all available slots sold out for the weekend. Seattle tops the list of destinations, with bookings up nearly 30% from last year. Other popular domestic spots include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco.
International Travel: On the international front, bookings are down 4% from last year, influenced by an 11% rise in costs and the fact that many people have already taken their international trips earlier in the summer. Most international travelers are heading to Europe, with Rome, London, and Paris leading the list of top destinations.
For those renting cars abroad, AAA advises securing an International Driving Permit, especially in countries like Italy and Spain where it is required.
Labor Day Weekend Travel Pricing
- Domestic airfares are 2% cheaper compared to last year.
- International flights have seen an 8% decrease in price.
- Domestic hotels are 7% more expensive, while international hotels are up by 2%.
- Domestic car rentals are 16% cheaper, but international car rentals have spiked by 21%.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
INRIX, a transportation data provider, suggests avoiding the roads during the afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday, as these times are expected to be the most congested. For a smoother journey, drivers should plan to travel in the morning or later in the afternoon on Saturday. Returning travelers on Sunday or Monday should leave early to dodge the heaviest traffic.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, advised, “Monitoring traffic apps and local news can help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce frustration.”
Gas Prices and Roadside Safety
Gas prices are slightly lower than last year’s Labor Day average of $3.81, with recent prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon. Despite the decline, AAA expects to assist over 300,000 stranded motorists during the weekend, with common issues including flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. Drivers are urged to have their vehicles inspected before embarking on their trips to avoid breakdowns.
Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA, emphasized the importance of vehicle safety checks, stating, “The best way to avoid spending your holiday on the roadside is by getting a full vehicle inspection before your trip.”
