WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking summer travel season concludes with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also among the top ten Labor Day destinations.
“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”
AAA travel experts advise those interested in an Alaska cruise next summer to book now for the best rates and cabin options.
According to AAA booking data, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while domestic travel costs have decreased by 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day represents the last vacation before school starts. To maximize these trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City.”
Travelers taking road trips should expect lower gas prices compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81 per gallon; recent weeks have seen prices steady around $3.50 per gallon. Despite high demand for summer road trips, overall gas demand has decreased as daily driving habits changed post-pandemic. However, hurricanes affecting Gulf refineries could cause gas prices to rise as peak hurricane season approaches in September. For electric vehicle drivers taking road trips, AAA now provides weekly updates on Level 2 commercial EV charging costs.
International travel over Labor Day weekend has decreased by 4% compared to last year according to AAA booking numbers; however international travel costs have increased by 11%. Most international travelers are heading to Europe with eight out of ten top international destinations being European cities. Travelers renting cars abroad should consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into ten languages—required by some countries such as Italy and Spain—and can be issued only by AAA within the U.S.
Top Domestic Destinations:
- Seattle
- Orlando
- Anchorage
- New York
- Boston
- Las Vegas
- Denver
- Chicago
- Juneau
- San Francisco
Top International Destinations:
- Vancouver
- Rome
- London
- Paris
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Athens
- Mexicali
- Edinburgh
INRIX advises car travelers to avoid traveling during afternoon and early evening hours on Thursday and Friday due to expected congestion and suggests morning departures unless traveling on Saturday when afternoon departures are preferable.
“Drivers should expect severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps and local news stations may help drivers navigate around congestion this Labor Day.”
Best Times for Car Travel:
Departing:
Thursday: Before 11 AM
Friday: Before Noon or After 7 PM
Saturday: After Noon
Returning:
Sunday: Before Noon
Tuesday: After 1 PM
Peak Congestion Estimates by Metro Area:
Atlanta: Atlanta-Savannah (28%)
Boston: Boston-Hyannis (24%)
Chicago: Chicago–Indianapolis (39%)
Denver: Fort Collins-Denver (36%)
Detroit: Detroit–Grand Rapids (20%)
Houston: San Antonio-Houston (30%)
Los Angeles: Bakersfield-Los Angeles (28%)
Minneapolis: Eau Claire-Minneapolis (24%)
New York City: Jersey Shore-New York City (40%)
Philadelphia: Poconos–Philadelphia (35%)
Portland: Eugene-Portland (34%)
San Diego: Palm Springs-San Diego (15%)
San Francisco Bay Area Sacramento-San Francisco via I80W(23%)Seattle Bellingham-Seattle(24%)Tampa Tampa-Orlando(39%)Washington DCBaltimore-WashingtonDC via Balt/Wash Pkwy S(44%)
AAA analyzed booking data from Thursday August29 through Monday September2 comparing it with that same five-day period in2023.AboutAAAStartedin1902by automotive enthusiasts who wanted better roads & safe mobility today AAAdelivers exceptional roadside assistance helps travelers plan dream vacations offers exclusive member discounts trusted financial insurance services enhancing life journey64+million members across North America including57+million USA Learn more become member visitAAA.comAboutINRIX