AAA Data released by has shown that Seattle, Orlando and New York were the top three domestic destinations for Labor Day Weekend travelers. Data suggests that Americans are planning a last-minute trip before summer ends, and these cities are a popular choice.
AAA states that the cost of domestic travel has decreased since last year. Roundtrip domestic flights are now 6% cheaper on average, with a ticket costing $720. Hotel prices have dropped by 11%, while car rental rates are down 3%. Hertz, the organization’s partner in car rental, reported that Orlando, Denver Boston Los Angeles and Atlanta were the top destinations according to advanced bookings. The busiest day of the year for car rentals is expected to be August 29.
Gas prices are stable and have been since 2021’s summer averages. The national average gallon of gasoline on Labor Day last year was $3.33. AAA predicts that prices will stay below the levels of last year, barring major disruptions like tropical storms affecting Gulf Coast refining facilities. Gas prices are expected to remain stable through 2025 due to the steady price of crude oil.
International travel costs present a mixed picture. The hotel rates in international destinations have decreased by 2%, while airfares are up by 8%. Vancouver is the most sought-after international destination. Other popular destinations include Rome, Dublin, London, and Dublin. The data supports AAA’s earlier predictions of a good season for Alaskan cruises as outlined in its 2025 Cruise Forecast.
Based on data provided by INRIX, an analytics company for transportation, AAA also provides insights into the best times and worst to travel in a car during the holiday weekend. Most people prefer to drive before noon, while congestion increases during the afternoon and evening. The weekend is likely to be a busy one for road traffic.
AAA compared the data collected from the dates of Thursday, August 28, to Monday, September 1 with that from 2024. The findings reveal trends in travel behaviour and costs that can help those who are planning a trip during the holiday weekend.
