Hoping to squeeze in one more getaway before summer ends? Millions of Americans are, whether it’s a spontaneous trip or one they’ve been planning all year, and AAA unpacks where everyone is heading for Labor Day.
- Some folks may even get to save a little money on their trip. The travel association reports that domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper than last year, averaging $720 a ticket.
- Hotel rates are also down this summer, an average of 11% lower, and rental car costs are 3% cheaper than last Labor Day.
- Gas prices have also remained low this summer, matching the average cost in summer 2021.
- While that’s good for those taking a road trip for Labor Day, it won’t help the holiday traffic. Roads are expected to be busy starting Thursday, August 28th, and the worst time to be driving is from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. that Thursday and Friday, as well as from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 30th, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Labor Day (Monday, September 1st).
- For the best chance at beating traffic, AAA recommends hitting the road before noon.
- Seattle is the most popular destination here in the U.S. for Labor Day weekend, while Vancouver, Canada, leads the international destinations.
AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S.
- Seattle, Washington
- Orlando, Florida
- New York, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Chicago, Illinois
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Denver, Colorado
- Miami, Florida
- Las Vegas, Nevada⠀
Source: AAA