The Auto Club of Southern California Reveals Top Travel Trends This Labor Day Weekend

Editors: B-roll for your use of Alaska cruising and vacationing in Europe

This year's record-breaking, blockbuster summer travel season will end with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.

"This is the time of year many people enjoy cruises to Alaska," said Jena Miller, the Auto Club's vice president of travel products. "There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors, so it is no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend."

Auto Club travel experts say if you are interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29, through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023. Overall domestic travel bookings this Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. As for international travel, AAA bookings show international travel over this Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%.

For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, the Auto Club recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time.

Road Trip Pump Prices

Southern Californians taking road trips this Labor Day should expect to pay less for gas than last year. The statewide average at this time last year was sixty-four cents higher than today's average of $4.59. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they are leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.

Top Labor Day Destinations

LOCAL

• San Diego
• Anaheim
• Grand Canyon
• Central Coast

DOMESTIC

• Seattle, WA
• Orlando, FL
• Anchorage, AK
• New York, NY
• Boston, MA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Denver, CO
• Chicago, IL
• Juneau, AK
• San Francisco, CA

INTERNATIONAL

• Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Rome, Italy
• London, England
• Paris, France
• Dublin, Ireland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Athens, Greece
• Mexicali, Mexico
• Edinburgh, Scotland

About AAA

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, The Auto Club has transformed into one of North America's largest membership organizations. Today, The Auto Club delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts, and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services - all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.

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