Labor Day is the unofficial last call of summer — and millions of Americans are packing up to chase one more getaway.
AAA says travel is surging, with cruise gateways, theme parks, and international hotspots leading the charge.
The good news: domestic travel is cheaper across the board. The bad: expect packed highways and pricier flights if you’re going abroad. Here’s the breakdown.
The Big Picture
Labor Day travel demand is up, with AAA calling it the “last hurrah of summer.” Think crowded airports, jammed highways, and full hotels.
Hot Domestic Destinations
Seattle, Orlando, and New York are the top U.S. picks — from Alaska cruise launches to mouse ears and Manhattan nights.
International Favorites
Vancouver leads the global list, followed by Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Edinburgh, and Lisbon.
Domestic Flights Are Cheaper
Roundtrip airfare inside the U.S. is averaging $720, down 6% from last year.
Hotels Drop Double Digits
U.S. hotel stays are down 11%, making it easier to splurge on an extra night without gutting your wallet.
Rental Cars Dip Too
Car rentals are 3% cheaper, but demand spikes Friday, Aug 29 — with Orlando, Denver, Boston, L.A., and Atlanta leading the rush.
The International Catch
Flying overseas? You’ll pay more. International airfare is up 8%, even as hotels abroad slide 2% lower.
Gas Prices Hold Steady
Road-trippers get relief: gas is roughly in line with 2021 levels, expected to stay below last year’s $3.33 per gallon average.
Traffic Nightmare, By the Hour
INRIX data warns: Thursday–Friday afternoons will be gridlock. Best bet? Leave before noon or after dark.
Congestion Hotspots
L.A. to Palm Springs (+71% travel time), San Francisco to Sacramento (+78%), and Atlanta/Chicago corridors top the list of Labor Day traffic nightmares.
Key Takeaways
Labor Day 2025 is shaping up as cheaper for domestic travelers, tougher for international flyers, and brutal for anyone stuck in peak traffic. The playbook: stay stateside if you want to save, travel early or late to dodge gridlock, and keep an eye on gas — steady prices make the road trip a rare bright spot this holiday weekend.
