Seattle, Anchorage, Juneau, San Francisco, San Diego all top destinations for Labor Day travel

Cruise bookings for port cities like Seattle, Anchorage, and Juneau have spiked by as much as 30% compared to 2023.Photo byNEOMonUnsplash

This year's record-breaking summer travel season is wrapping up with a significant surge in demand for Alaska cruises, European cities, and popular tourist attractions, according to AAA booking data.

Cruise bookings for port cities like Seattle, Anchorage, and Juneau have spiked by as much as 30% compared to 2023, making these cities among the top domestic destinations for Labor Day, alongside San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Overall, domestic travel for Labor Day weekend has increased by 9% from last year, with travel costs down 2%. Besides Seattle, other top U.S. Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, and Denver. However, international travel is seeing a slight dip, with a 4% decrease in bookings. Vancouver leads as the most popular international destination, followed closely by European cities like Rome, London, and Paris.

"For Labor Day travel, timing is everything," said Brian Ng, Senior Vice President of Membership and Travel Marketing for AAA Northern California. To maximize the holiday experience, he advises travelers to leave early, have a backup plan, and choose activities that let them fully enjoy the final moments of the season.

AAA also offers four essential tips for Labor Day travelers: travel off-peak to avoid heavy traffic, use travel apps like AAA Mobile for discounts and assistance, pack smart by sticking to carry-on luggage or preparing a road trip cooler, and have a backup plan in case of unexpected delays.