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WALNUT CREEK – This year’s record-breaking summer travel season is coming to an end with sharply increasing demand for Alaska cruises, trips to European cities and tourist attractions, according to AAA booking data.

In port cities such as Seattle, Anchorage and Juneau, cruise bookings increased by as much as 30% compared to 2023. All three cities are among the most popular domestic destinations for Labor Day this year, along with others such as San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend increased 9 percent year-over-year, while domestic travel costs decreased 2 percent. In addition to Seattle, Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas and Denver are among the most popular Labor Day destinations in the United States.

AAA booking data shows there is a 4 percent decline in international travel this year. Vancouver tops the list of most popular international destinations, with European cities like Rome, London and Paris also ranking high.

“When traveling on Labor Day, timing is everything,” said Brian Ng, senior vice president of membership and travel marketing for AAA Northern California. “To make the most of the holiday, head out early, have a Plan B and plan activities that allow you to enjoy the last moments of the season.”

AAA offers four tips for Labor Day travelers:

• Travel outside of peak hours If possible, travel before Friday, August 30th or after Monday, September 2nd to avoid the heaviest traffic and crowds. It is best to travel early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid congestion.
• Use travel apps Use apps like AAA Mobile to find the cheapest gas or electric vehicle charging stations, request roadside assistance, discover AAA member discounts, and more.
• Pack cleverly If you are flying, you should only take hand luggage to avoid possible delays in baggage transport. For car journeys, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks as well as an emergency car care kit.
• Do you have a plan B: Given the high volume of travel on Labor Day, please consider alternate routes or destinations in case of unexpected closures or delays in getting to your destination.

*Labor Day weekend
AAA examined booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2 and compared those numbers to booking data for the same five-day period in 2023.

About AAA Northern California

AAA has a proud history of serving its members for more than 100 years. AAA is committed to creating members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 5,300 employees representing more than 6 million members in Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto and life insurance, as well as travel and home security services. For more information, visit AAA.com.