Top U.S. destinations for Labor Day weekend revealed by AAA

[Desmond Milligan 0]

BOSTON (WWLP) – A local travel agency has released the top destinations this Labor Day weekend.

AAA has released data showing that Seattle, Orlando, New York City, and Boston are the most popular U.S. destinations for Labor Day weekend, with travel costs decreasing compared to last year. They say that round-trip flights are 6% less, hotels decreased by 11% and car rentals are 3% lower.

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Although gas prices have fluctuated this year, as of August 18th, the average price per gallon in Massachusetts is 36 cents less than this time last year. AAA says that with the exception of Hurricane Erin affecting the Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last Labor Day.

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “While some families are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.”

Top 10 Labor Day destinations in the U.S.

1. Seattle

2. Orlando

3. New York

4. Boston

5. Anchorage

6. Chicago

7. Atlanta

8. Denver

9. Miami

10. Las Vegas

Top 10 Labor Day international destinations

For those booking international destinations this Labor Day weekend, hotels cost 2% less than last year, while flight costs are up 8%, according to AAA. The top international travel spot this year is Vancouver, Canada.

1. Vancouver, Canada

2. Rome, Italy

3. Dublin, Ireland

4. London, England

5. Paris, France

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

7. Barcelona, Spain

8. Athens, Greece

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

10. Lisbon, Portugal

The busiest days for travel are expected to be Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, so it’s best to leave before lunchtime to avoid traffic.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date	Best Travel Time	Worst Travel Time
Thursday, Aug. 28	Before 1 p.m.	1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29	Before noon	Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30	6-10 a.m.	10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31	Before 11 a.m.	Noon-5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1	Before noon	1-4 p.m.

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