AAA Unveils Top Domestic, International Destinations for Labor Day Travel

20.08.2024 - 17:45 / travelpulse.com / Paula Twidale / North America / Bob Pishue / Donald Wood

The Labor Day holiday travel period is approaching fast, and AAA booking data suggests cruising to Alaska and flying to Seattle are two of the most popular options for 2024.

According to AAA, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is expected to increase by nine percent compared to last year, while domestic travel costs are down two percent. 

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” AAA Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale said. “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.”

As for international travel, demand is down four percent compared to last year, while the cost to travel internationally is up 11 percent. Around 80 percent of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities.

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas than last year, as the national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50.

AAA ranked the top domestic Labor Day destinations, with Seattle ranking first, up nearly 30 percent from last year. Orlando, Anchorage, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and Juneau rounded out the Top 10.

As for international travel, AAA found Vancouver was the top holiday destination for 2024, followed by Rome, London, Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Mexicali, and Edinburgh.

For travelers driving to their destinations, AAA and transportation data provider INRIX said they should avoid the congestion in the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday. Drivers should leave in the morning unless they depart on Saturday, when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. 

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

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