Labor Day Weekend 2026 is going to see strong travel activity, with many Americans opting for road trips and cruises, according to recent AAA and industry reports. (Note: AAA’s official traveler number predictions will be added here when they’re released.)

Seattle and Anchorage stand out as leading destinations for their connections to Alaskan cruises, while Denver and Las Vegas are attracting travelers heading to national parks to pick up rental cars and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. Boston, Orlando, and New York City are also among the top domestic destinations. Despite this year’s comparatively higher airfare and gas prices, travel spending is rising, particularly among low- and middle-income households.

More key takeaways:

Flights to top domestic destinations cost nearly 20% more than last year
Traffic is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, and drivers may pay more at the pump during the holiday weekend
Hotel prices are up in both domestic and international markets
Cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% cheaper than last year

AAA partnered with INRIX for the survey findings. Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights.