As Labor Day weekend 2025 approaches, Americans across the country are gearing up for one last summer adventure before the quieter shoulder season sets in. With travel dates falling between August 29 and September 1, this annual holiday is shaping up to be a busy—yet surprisingly affordable—time to hit the road or take to the skies, according to new data and expert advice from leading travel organizations.
AAA, the long-standing authority on travel trends, released fresh insights on August 15, 2025, highlighting the top destinations and key deals available this year. The findings are clear: prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals have all dipped compared to the same period last year, making it an opportune moment for spontaneous getaways or meticulously planned trips alike. Domestic roundtrip flights, for instance, are down 6% from 2024, averaging $720 per ticket. Hotel rates have dropped 11%, and car rental costs are 3% lower, offering significant savings for families and solo travelers alike.
But that’s not the only good news. Gas prices are holding steady at levels not seen since 2021, thanks to stable crude oil prices, meaning drivers can fill up for less this Labor Day. For the millions who prefer to travel by car, timing is everything. According to analytics from INRIX, the best times to hit the road are before lunchtime on most days of the holiday weekend. Specifically, Thursday travelers should aim for before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m., while Friday’s sweet spots are before noon or after 8 p.m. Saturday, the busiest day, requires an early start—before 6 a.m. is ideal, as traffic peaks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday drivers should depart before 11 a.m. to avoid the noon to 5 p.m. rush, and Monday’s returnees are advised to leave before noon, steering clear of 1 to 4 p.m.
Airports, as always, will be bustling. Last year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened upwards of 17 million passengers over Labor Day weekend. This year is expected to be no different, so a little strategy goes a long way. Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, told ABC News, “It’s expected to be the busiest and most expensive day to travel. For fewer crowds and better prices, consider flying on Tuesday, September 2.” Her advice? “Holidays like Labor Day often create hectic airport experiences, and that increased demand typically means higher prices. Travelers who shop around and compare will still find good deals, even when demand is high.”
For those seeking last-minute deals, experts from Expedia Group—which includes Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo—say there are plenty of options. Their platforms are offering flights and vacation rentals at least 20% below typical prices for the holiday weekend. Expedia’s historical data puts the average airline ticket price at around $260, a welcome relief for budget-conscious travelers.
So, where is everyone headed? AAA’s booking data reveals that Seattle, Orlando, and New York are the top three cities for Labor Day travelers. Expedia’s numbers echo this trend, adding Las Vegas, Chicago, and Miami to the list of popular domestic destinations. The excitement doesn’t stop at city breaks, though—college football season is kicking off, and fans are flocking to game-day hotspots. Expedia saw booking interest soar in State College, Pennsylvania (+360%), Tallahassee, Florida (+230%), Columbus, Ohio (+90%), and Atlanta, Georgia (+70%).
Mid-sized cities are also having their moment in the sun. Oklahoma City and Greenville, South Carolina, are drawing visitors with their affordability and walkable downtowns. For families, the Midwest and countryside retreats in Sandusky, Ohio; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; and Allegan County, Michigan, have all seen a noticeable uptick in group bookings, providing ample opportunities for kid-friendly escapes.
International travel isn’t taking a backseat either. Expedia reports that sunny destinations like Nadi, Fiji (+150%) and Taormina, Sicily (+65%) are seeing a surge in interest. Closer to home, San José del Cabo, Mexico City (+55%), and St. Lucia (+45%) are trending upward, offering sun, sand, and a change of scenery for those willing to venture abroad.
Travelers hoping to snag the best deals should consider a few expert-approved strategies. Activating price alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help catch fare drops or refund opportunities, even after booking. “When domestic travel demand is high, like it is during Labor Day weekend in the U.S., international destinations may be a better deal,” Lindsay explained. She also recommends using Skyscanner’s “Search Everywhere” feature to discover hidden gems and savings, and to be flexible with both destinations and airports. “If you want to fly to Miami, you can choose that airport or fly into Ft. Lauderdale, which is just 26 miles north. And if you’re heading to Manhattan, there are three New York City area airports,” she said.
Mixing and matching flights can also pay off. “Round-trip flights aren’t always the cheapest. Sometimes you save more by booking two one-way tickets, allowing you to mix and match airlines,” Lindsay advised. Checking both round-trip and one-way itineraries can help travelers find the best price, especially for those open to creative routing.
Rental car company Avis is rolling out a new premium service just in time for the holiday rush. At select airports—including Denver, Honolulu, and Palm Beach—and in major cities like Manhattan, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington, D.C., travelers can now skip the shuttle and counter entirely. With the new service, customers receive a welcome message through the Avis app and are met by a personal concierge who escorts them directly to their luxury vehicle. Returns are just as smooth: Avis First customers can pull up to departures, hand off the keys, and head straight to their gate.
As Labor Day marks the start of the shoulder season, savvy travelers can take advantage of even more savings. Vrbo reports that Hawaii tops the list for shoulder season destinations in 2025, with September and October bringing lower airfares, fewer crowds, and vacation rental rates 30% lower than December’s peak. It’s a tempting proposition: paradise at a fraction of the cost, with a little more breathing room on the beach.
With prices down, deals up, and expert strategies at their fingertips, Americans have an abundance of options for making the most of Labor Day weekend 2025. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a cross-country flight, or a last-minute island escape, this year’s holiday promises both adventure and affordability for those ready to seize the moment.
