Here Are The Top Labor Day Travel Destinations 2024

CALIFORNIA—More people are expected to travel this Labor Day weekend than last year, closing out a record-breaking summer travel season, Walnut Creek-based AAA Club of Northern California said.

AAA booking data revealed a surge in demand for Alaskan cruises, European cities and tourist attractions.

Port cities like Seattle, Anchorage and Juneau saw cruise bookings rise by as much as 30 percent compared with 2023. All three cities rank among this year’s most popular domestic destinations for Labor Day, along with other cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9 percent compared to last year, while the cost of travel within the United States is down 2 percent. Aside from Seattle, top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas and Denver.

The trend differed for international destinations; AAA booking data indicated a 4 percent drop in international travel this year. Vancouver topped the list of popular international destinations, with European cities like Rome, London and Paris also ranking high.

“For Labor Day travel, timing is everything,” said Brian Ng, Senior Vice President of Membership and Travel Marketing for AAA Northern California. “To make the most of the holiday, leave early, have a backup plan, and plan activities that allow you to savor the final moments of the season.”

AAA offers four tips for Labor Day travelers:

• Travel off-peak. If possible, depart before Friday, Aug. 30 or after Monday, Sept. 2 to avoid the heaviest traffic and crowds. Consider traveling early in the morning or late evening to avoid congestion.
• Use travel apps. Leverage apps like AAA Mobile to find the cheapest gas or EV charging, request roadside assistance, discover AAA Member discounts, and more.
• Pack smart. If flying, stick to carry-on luggage to avoid potential baggage delays. For road trips, pack a cooler bag with snacks and drinks as well as an emergency car care kit.
• Have a Plan B. Given the high volume of Labor Day travelers, consider alternate routes or destinations in case of unexpected closures or delays in getting to your intended destination.