Kentuckians traveling over Labor Day weekend will be joining travelers across the country in bidding farewell to the summer travel season with one last getaway.
Major metros, cruise ports and theme parks will be destinations for many, as AAA booking data shows Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York are the top domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend getaways. For those planning to travel abroad, Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris top the international destination list.
Regardless of where they’re headed, domestic travelers face higher prices for flights, hotels, tours and gas, while rental cars and cruises are slightly less expensive than they were for Labor Day weekend 2025.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “AAA members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing in Europe. Many of our members are also looking ahead to 2027 and booking cruises and tours now before they sell out.”
Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer. Comfortable temperatures combined with longer daylight hours mean many travelers are opting to explore the great outdoors, with some choosing to explore via a cruise. 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 also popular this time of year, with many travelers renting cars in Denver or Las Vegas and driving to Arches, Zion, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Parks. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, September 4 will be the busiest car pick-up day. In addition to Denver and Las Vegas, Hertz says Orlando, Los Angeles, and Boston also have high car rental demand for Labor Day weekend bookings.
Whether it’s learning about U.S. history in major metros like Boston and Chicago or visiting ancient ruins in Rome and Athens, many Labor Day weekend travelers are seeking an educational experience, immersing themselves in journeys highlighted by historic landmarks. AAA travel advisors say many members choose to explore historic cities with guided tours, especially in Europe. Planned itineraries, meals, and transportation offer peace of mind for travelers who don’t want to spend time researching points of interest, creating itineraries 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 Lori Weaver Hawkins, AAA Club Alliance public and government affairs manager for Kentucky. “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 was at $4.09 as of Aug. 24th, compared to $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025 when crude oil prices were lower. It’s a similar story in Kentucky where the average price of gas was at $3.66 as of Aug. 24th compared to $2.92 on Labor Day 2025. 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,” Weaver Hawkins said. “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.”
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says unlike longer holiday periods, travel over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window. Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday. That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes. INRIX recommends departing early, allowing additional time, and avoiding the middle of the afternoon whenever possible.
“No matter what day you plan to travel, try to get on the road during the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic congestion around major metro areas,” Weaver Hawkins said. “Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a noticeable difference.”
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