Americans are preparing to close out the summer travel season with Labor Day getaways, but those hitting the road or heading to the airport should be prepared for higher costs and heavy traffic.
AAA booking data shows strong travel demand for the 2026 Labor Day holiday weekend, with travelers planning trips across the United States, Canada and Europe. Seattle and Orlando are among the most popular domestic destinations, while Rome and London are drawing international travelers.
“Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s a cruise, a national park adventure, or an international trip, travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend.”
Travelers will likely spend more to make those trips this year. Fuel, airfare and hotel costs are higher, although domestic cruise prices are trending lower.
AAA says it is still too early to predict exactly what motorists will pay at the pump over Labor Day weekend, but current market trends suggest prices could be higher than a year ago.
On Labor Day 2025, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.19, while Georgia motorists paid an average of $2.89 per gallon.
Crude oil prices remain higher than they were a year ago. Strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories are also contributing to pressure on fuel prices.
Drivers planning a Labor Day road trip are encouraged to account for the additional fuel expense when putting together their holiday budgets.
Traffic could also complicate holiday travel.
Transportation data provider INRIX expects some of the heaviest congestion Thursday and Friday as Labor Day travelers share the highways with regular commuters.
The worst travel periods are expected to be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3; noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5; and 2 to 5 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
AAA encourages motorists to leave early, allow additional travel time and avoid afternoon departures whenever possible.
AAA is also reminding motorists to make sure their vehicles are ready before leaving home.
During the 2025 Labor Day holiday period, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for problems including dead batteries, flat tires, vehicle lockouts and towing.
Before beginning a road trip, motorists should check tire pressure and tread, test their battery and inspect vehicle fluid levels. AAA also recommends carrying an emergency kit with water, snacks, a flashlight and jumper cables.
Travelers flying during the holiday weekend are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and make reservations for hotels, rental cars, attractions and parking in advance.
Seattle tops AAA’s list of domestic destinations for Labor Day 2026, followed by Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York.
Chicago ranks sixth, followed by Anaheim/Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Anchorage. Atlanta rounds out the top 10, putting Georgia’s capital among the country’s most popular destinations for the holiday weekend.
With millions of Americans expected to squeeze in one final summer trip, AAA says planning ahead and avoiding the busiest travel periods could help make the Labor Day getaway smoother.