AAA Travel Data: Lower Costs, Top Destinations for Labor Day

DENVER (Aug. 26, 2025) — As Labor Day approaches, Americans are gearing up for one last summer escape. Per AAA booking data, top stateside destinations include Seattle, Orlando, and New York - with Vancouver leading the international list and Denver taking the 8^th position among domestic travelers.

“Colorado hospitality businesses are set to enjoy a final summer surge ahead of the fall’s seasonal slowdown,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “Colorado travelers, meanwhile, should take the time to chart out their plans for the remainder of 2025: Costs are trending lower, with noticeable savings on hotels, rental cars, and international cruises.”

Key Trends in Travel Costs 

Domestic travel is more affordable compared to last year in several key areas, per AAA data:

• Domestic round-trip flights are 6% cheaper, averaging $720 per ticket. Popular destinations include Orlando, New York, Denver, and Atlanta. 
• Hotel stays within the United States have seen an 11% decrease, with multi-night stays averaging $495. 
• Car rentals are 3% less expensive, with the average cost for multi-day bookings at $545. 
• The leading international destinations for Labor Day travel include European hotspots such as Rome, Dublin, and London. Those heading abroad will find a 42% drop in international car rental costs (now an average of $645 for multi-day use) and a 9% reduction in cruise prices departing from international ports.
• However, travelers taking international flights should prepare for an 8% increase in airfare, with round-trip rates averaging $1,470. International hotel bookings are moderately cheaper, with a 2% drop, bringing the average multi-night stay to $590. 

Gas Prices Expected to Remain Stable 

Drivers can expect gas prices to remain steady, with the national average hovering near last year’s $3.16 per gallon and expected to stay well before 2024 figures. In Colorado, drivers can expect to pay around $3.10 per gallon, with a high of $3.62 in Vail and a low of $2.95 in Greeley. At this time last year, Coloradans were paying $3.36 per gallon.

Planning the Best Times to Travel by Road 

Transportation analytics firm INRIX recommends traveling early in the day to avoid congestion. Peak traffic is expected in the afternoon and early evening, especially on Saturday, as families head out for vacations and day trips.

Top AAA Destinations for Labor Day 

Domestic 

• Seattle, WA 
• Orlando, FL 
• New York, NY 
• Boston, MA 
• Anchorage, AK 
• Chicago, IL
• Atlanta, GA
• Denver, CO
• Miami, FL
• Las Vegas, NV

International 

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

“Colorado’s lucky to enjoy four seasons of fun – with fall foliage is never far off from Labor Day, and opening day for the ski resorts shortly behind,” McKinley said. “No matter what you plan to do with the rest of your 2025 or into 2026, the sooner you book, the more you’ll save.”