AAA Names Labor Day Travel Trends

As  summer comes to an end, many travelers are taking advantage of the last  long holiday weekend of the season. AAA booking data shows Seattle,  Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York are the top domestic destinations,  while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris top the international  list. “AAA  members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring national parks across the U.S. and sightseeing in Europe,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA  Northeast. “Many of our members are also looking ahead and booking cruises and tours for 2027.”

 AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations

The Great Outdoors Labor

Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer, and the ideal weather at this time of year in many places. AAA bookings show that Seattle, Anchorage and Vancouver are  top destinations, and there’s a common thread: Alaska cruises. U.S.  national parks are popular too, with many travelers renting cars and  driving from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park or from Las Vegas to

Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, Sept. 4 will be the busiest rental pickup day. Domestic vs. International Whether  travelers choose domestic versus international trips depends on their budget, schedule and interests. Labor Day weekend travelers who  are staying in the U.S. are paying 2% more for roundtrip flights compared to last year, while international flights are 4% cheaper this

Labor Day weekend. Hitting the Road For travelers taking road trips, gas prices are higher this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. The Massachusetts average gas price was  $4.06 as of Aug. 23, $1.05 higher than last year. Before hitting the  road, AAA recommends checking your tires, battery, and fluids to ensure

your vehicle is in optimal condition. Packing an emergency kit with water, snacks, first-aid supplies and essential tools like flashlights and jumper cables is also important. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for flat tires, dead batteries and towing. Best and Worst Times to Drive Travel  over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday, bringing holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying  normal commuter volumes.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island,  Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York,  providing 6.9 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.