Home » America Travel News » United States Vacationers Look for Affordable Countryside Retreats, Mid-Sized Cities, and International Hotspots as Summer Winds Down Into the Holiday Weekend
Published on
August 16, 2025
As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers in the U.S. are excited to squeeze in one last taste of summer fun. Airlines, hotels, and vacation rentals are still rolling out last-minute deals, making it easy to grab some sun on a beach, dash to a city, or even take a quick international trip. Travel experts say a little planning goes a long way—keeping your schedule flexible and staying tuned to traffic and airport trends can save you time, help you dodge the crowds, and keep your wallet happy. With just a few smart moves, you can turn the long weekend into a worry-free escape and a chance to soak in those last warm summer days.
Americans are gearing up to make the most of the final long weekend of summer before the slower shoulder season begins. With Labor Day approaching from August 29 through September 1, travelers have plenty of strategies to ensure smooth planning, whether heading out on a road trip, catching a flight, or booking a spontaneous getaway. Last-minute deals are still available for flights, hotels, and short-term rentals, making it possible to enjoy the holiday without breaking the bank.
Labor Day Travel Trends and Tips
AAA recently released insights highlighting the most popular domestic and international destinations for Labor Day travel. Many Americans are opting for classic road trips, while others are exploring far-off adventures. Flight and hotel prices have generally decreased compared to the same period last year, offering travelers some relief. European cities dominate international travel lists, but Vancouver tops AAA’s rankings this season, reflecting strong interest in Alaska cruises and nearby getaways.
For those traveling by car, traffic patterns suggest that early departures are key. Analytics firm INRIX reports that the least congested times to drive vary throughout the weekend:
Thursday, August 28: before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.Friday, August 29: before noon and after 8 p.m.Saturday, August 30: before 6 a.m., with peak congestion between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.Sunday, August 31: before 11 a.m., avoiding the 12 p.m.–5 p.m. peakMonday, September 1: before noon, with heavy traffic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gas prices remain relatively low, comparable to 2021 averages, thanks to steady crude oil rates. Drivers can fill up their tanks at reasonable rates, adding to the affordability of road trips this holiday weekend.
Flying During Labor Day
For air travelers, preparing for crowded airports is essential. The Transportation Security Administration screened over 17 million passengers during last year’s Labor Day weekend. Experts recommend avoiding Friday travel, which is expected to be both the busiest and most expensive day to fly. For lighter crowds and better deals, flying on Tuesday, September 2, can offer a significant advantage.
Last-minute flights can still be found at discounts of 20 percent or more through platforms like Expedia’s Flight Deal tool. For short-term rentals, Vrbo has introduced a “last-minute booking” filter, allowing travelers to secure accommodations tailored to the holiday weekend. Historically, average airline tickets over Labor Day hover around \$260.
Top Domestic and International Destinations
Booking data from AAA shows that Seattle, Orlando, and New York City lead as the most popular domestic destinations. Expedia reports similar trends, noting high interest in Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, and Orlando. College football season also drives travel, with fans flocking to cities like State College, Pennsylvania; Tallahassee, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; and Atlanta, Georgia for opening weekend games. Interest in these cities has surged by anywhere from 70 percent to 360 percent compared to last year.
Mid-sized cities like Oklahoma City and Greenville, South Carolina, are gaining popularity thanks to affordability and walkable downtown areas. Families seeking quieter getaways have gravitated toward Midwest and countryside retreats, including Sandusky, Ohio; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; and Allegan County, Michigan.
International travel is seeing similar patterns. Sunny destinations like Nadi, Fiji, and Taormina, Sicily are drawing more visitors, along with closer options such as San José del Cabo, Mexico City, and St. Lucia, where booking interest has increased sharply.
United States travelers are seizing last-minute deals for Labor Day weekend, from road trips to city escapes, using smart planning and flexible options to enjoy the final summer holiday stress-free.
Smart Strategies for Stress-Free Travel
Travelers can optimize their Labor Day experience by taking a few proactive steps:
Set up price alerts: Platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow travelers to track fare changes. Alerts can help snag better deals or even adjust already-booked tickets for potential refunds.Be flexible with destinations: Choosing secondary cities can reduce costs and avoid crowds. Instead of Paris, consider Lyon or Marseille; in the Netherlands, try Eindhoven or Rotterdam; and in Japan, explore Fukuoka or Sapporo rather than Tokyo.Use alternative airports: Flying into or out of nearby airports can save money and reduce travel stress.Consider premium car rentals: Avis now offers a concierge-style service for holiday travelers, letting customers skip the shuttle and rental counter and head directly to a luxury vehicle, saving valuable time.
With careful planning and flexibility, Americans can maximize their Labor Day weekend. From scenic road trips and beach escapes to city adventures and international excursions, there’s still time to enjoy a memorable end-of-summer holiday.
