Vacation Real Estate News
Seattle, Orlando and New York Top Labor Day Destinations in 2024
Based on AAA booking data, Seattle is the top destination for Labor Day weekend, showing an increase of nearly 30% from last year when it also ranked first. Anchorage and Juneau have also made it into the top ten Labor Day destinations, driven by strong consumer demand for Alaska cruises in late summer.
"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 reports that overall domestic travel for Labor Day weekend is up by 9% compared to last year, while the cost of domestic travel has decreased by 2%. Other popular Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day marks the final getaway before school starts. To maximize their trips, AAA suggests identifying must-see attractions and creating a flexible itinerary in advance. "Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase," said Twidale. "You can find free activities in Denver or the best museums in New York City."
Travelers planning road trips should anticipate paying less for gas compared to last year. The national average for Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81, and in recent weeks, gas prices have remained stable around $3.50. Despite the continued popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand has declined as post-pandemic driving habits have changed, preventing a spike in gas prices. However, hurricanes affecting the Gulf region and its refineries could lead to an increase in gas prices as the peak season approaches in September. For those driving electric vehicles on road trips, AAA now provides weekly updates on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging.
International travel over Labor Day weekend has decreased by 4% compared to last year, according to AAA booking data, while the cost of international travel has increased by 11%. The majority of these travelers are heading to Europe, with eight out of the top ten international destinations being European cities. Travelers planning to rent a car abroad should consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver's license information into 10 languages. Some countries, including Italy and Spain, require it.
