AAA: Cruises, National Parks, and European Cities Popular as Travelers Say Goodbye to Summer

Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer. Mild temperatures and longer days mean many travelers opt to explore the great outdoors. AAA bookings show that Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver are all top destinations, and there’s a common thread: Alaska cruises. AAA travel advisors say U.S. National Parks are popular this time of year, with many travelers renting cars in Denver and Las Vegas and driving to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, September 4 will be the busiest pick-up day. In addition to Denver and Las Vegas, Hertz says Orlando, Los Angeles, and Boston also have high car rental demand during Labor Day weekend.

Whether it’s learning about U.S. history in Boston and Chicago or visiting ancient ruins in Rome and Athens, many Labor Day weekend travelers are seeking an educational experience. AAA travel advisors say many members choose to explore historical cities, especially in Europe, with a guided tour. The planned itineraries, meals, and transportation offer peace of mind for travelers who don’t want to spend time researching and booking trips on their own.

Whether travelers choose domestic versus international trips depends on their budget, schedule, and interests. Labor Day weekend travelers who are staying in the U.S. are paying 2% more for roundtrip flights compared to last year, averaging $750 per ticket.

“Travelers continue prioritizing bucket-list experiences and cooler-weather destinations although they will be paying more for flights, hotels, tours and gas,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Club Alliance Public and Government Affairs Manager for Oklahoma. “According to AAA booking data, flights to top travel destinations are 20% higher than last year’s fares to those same destinations.”

With cruises and guided tours among the more popular big-ticket trips around the holiday, many AAA members secured their travel plans months in advance and avoided some of the higher costs as jet fuel prices spiked during the summer.  According to industry estimates, travelers booking more recently would find air fares 20-25% higher than in 2025.

Travelers are paying more for hotel stays this Labor Day weekend. AAA booking data shows domestic hotels are 9% more expensive than last year, with the average domestic hotel booking costing $570 for a stay that typically spans a few nights. International hotel bookings are also higher, up 12% compared to last year, with an average booking cost of $690. These figures reflect the average cost of hotel bookings through AAA and are not nightly rates.

For travelers taking road trips, gas prices are higher this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. The national average is currently $4.09 per gallon, compared with $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025 when crude oil prices were lower. Before hitting the road, AAA recommends checking your tires, battery, and fluids to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Packing an emergency kit with water, snacks, first-aid supplies, and essential tools like flashlights and jumper cables is also important. Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for flat tires, dead batteries, and emergency towing, averaging nearly one call every second throughout the five-day holiday period.