Denver Joins Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York as Autumn Travel Season Start with US Labor Day Trips, What Americans are Planning Right Now

Denver joins Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York as the autumn travel season starts with US Labor Day trips, and what Americans are planning right now shows a powerful mix of tradition and change. Denver and Atlanta with mountain escapes and urban breaks. Chicago, Boston, and New York welcome millions with culture, history, and Broadway energy.

As the autumn travel season starts, US Labor Day trips act as the bridge between summer holidays and school routines. Denver joins Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York in pulling in families, couples, and solo travellers.

What Americans are planning right now reflects shifting costs and new habits. Flights are cheaper, hotels are more affordable, and car rentals are in high demand. The autumn travel season starts with excitement and anticipation, and US Labor Day trips remain a symbol of togetherness, discovery, and the joy of one last summer escape.

The mood is optimistic. Families and solo travellers alike are searching for both affordable options and dream trips. The good news is that domestic costs are lower this year. Flights, hotels, and car rentals are all cheaper than in 2024. The combination of price relief and holiday tradition has created a powerful surge of travel demand.

Seattle sits at the very top of the domestic list. The city has long been the gateway for Alaska cruises, and this season is ending on a strong note. Cruise ships departing from Seattle have drawn both domestic and international passengers. Downtown hotels have seen a return to pre-pandemic demand. Reports show June 2025 hotel sales matched 2019 levels, and July even surpassed them. That momentum spills directly into the Labour Day weekend.

Seattle is not only about cruises. Its waterfront, Pike Place Market, and vibrant culture make it a magnet for short city breaks. Families can combine a few days in the city with an Alaska sailing, while regional travellers often drive in for a weekend stay. This mix of cruise and land tourism has boosted Seattle into the number one spot.

The state of Florida recorded 34.4 million visitors in the second quarter of 2025, a record for that period. The majority were domestic tourists, but international visitors are also returning. Orlando benefits directly from this growth. Lower hotel rates this summer have added to the attraction. For families wanting a memorable end to summer, Orlando is the easy choice.

New York City is also one of the most popular domestic destinations this Labour Day. Visitors are drawn by Broadway shows, museums, shopping, and iconic sights such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. Hotel data from June 2025 showed occupancy rates in the city at 88.5 percent, the highest among all top U.S. markets.

Beyond the top three, other major cities are seeing heavy demand. Boston, with its historic landmarks and lively harbour, is climbing the ranks. Chicago offers culture, food, and architecture. Denver is popular for road trips and serves as a launch pad to the Rocky Mountains. Atlanta is both a travel hub and a tourism destination in its own right.

Las Vegas is also among the top ten domestic destinations for Labour Day. However, the city has faced some softness in its visitor numbers. Reports from June 2025 showed a decline of more than 11 percent in visitation compared to the previous year. Occupancy was down, and average daily rates also slipped.

One of the main reasons for strong demand this Labour Day is affordability. Domestic round-trip flights are averaging $720, down six percent compared to last year. Hotels are 11 percent cheaper on average. Car rental prices are down three percent. This combination of lower prices is giving many households confidence to book.

International travel tells a different story. While overseas hotels are slightly cheaper, international airfares are up eight percent. This has not stopped European cities such as Rome, Dublin, London, and Paris from attracting large numbers of Americans. But it does show why domestic trips are surging most strongly this year.

AAA and INRIX also provide advice on the best travel times. They warn that afternoons will see heavy traffic, with mornings being the best option for smoother journeys. Many families will hit the roads early to reach beaches, mountains, or nearby towns. This stable fuel environment ensures road trips remain one of the most accessible options for Labour Day holidays.

The Transportation Security Administration is bracing for record volumes. More than 17 million passengers are expected to pass through U.S. airports from Thursday, August 28 to Wednesday, September 3. The busiest single day is projected to be Friday, with almost three million people passing through checkpoints. This underlines the scale of demand and the importance of holiday weekends for the aviation sector.

Airlines are benefiting from the strong domestic market. Fuel prices for airlines have also been lower compared to last year, helping to offset costs. International carriers face challenges with higher fares, but the demand for Europe and Canada remains strong. Vancouver, a key port city for Alaska cruises, tops the list of international destinations this Labour Day.

The Labour Day rush builds on broader travel patterns seen in the second quarter of 2025. U.S. hotels ended June with an average occupancy of 68.5 percent, down slightly from last year. Revenue per available room also slipped, even as average daily rates rose modestly. This shows that while travel is strong, it varies by market. Cities like New York are thriving, while Las Vegas faces challenges.

Airlines carried more than 85 million passengers in May, with strong domestic demand and steady international growth. June fuel consumption by airlines rose three percent compared to May, reflecting increased capacity. The inbound international market remains uneven. While the U.S. is projected to welcome more than 77 million international visitors in 2025, some months show declines. Overseas visitation in June 2025 was down 3.4 percent compared to 2024.

The Labour Day 2025 holiday is more than just a long weekend. It reveals deep insights into the travel industry. Domestic demand remains the backbone of U.S. tourism. Families are more willing to book when costs are stable or falling. Cruises continue to be a powerful force, particularly in Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage. Road trips are thriving thanks to low gas prices.

Airlines, hotels, and car rental firms all benefit, but in different ways. Airlines enjoy record passenger numbers. Hotels win from lower rates that boost occupancy. Car rental companies prepare for peak days, especially in cities like Orlando and Denver. The wider travel industry also sees the resilience of the American traveller. Despite uneven international flows, the domestic market ensures stability.

Labour Day 2025 has arrived with strength and optimism. Seattle, Orlando, and New York lead the way, while Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, and Anchorage add to the mix. Families are taking advantage of lower costs, steady fuel prices, and accessible options. Cruises are closing their season on a high, while theme parks and Broadway are thriving.

The second quarter of 2025 provided the foundation, and this holiday confirms the momentum. The travel industry can take confidence that Americans remain committed to making memories. As summer fades and autumn routines return, this final holiday shows that travel continues to play a central role in U.S. life.

Seattle tops the domestic list. It is the main hub for Alaska cruises, which are ending a strong season. Orlando is a magnet for theme park lovers, while New York attracts visitors with Broadway and iconic sights. Beyond the top three, AAA shows Boston, Anchorage, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, and Las Vegas rounding out the top ten. On the international side, Vancouver holds the top spot, also serving as a major port for Alaska cruises. European favourites like Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, and Amsterdam also draw strong numbers.

Flights are cheaper this year. Domestic roundtrip airfare is averaging $720, down six percent compared to last year. Families heading to Orlando, New York, Denver, or Atlanta benefit the most. AAA data confirms many travellers are prioritising short-haul trips with affordable airfares. While the average may still feel high for some, the year-on-year drop gives budget relief. For those eyeing Europe, the news is mixed. International flights are up eight percent, even as hotels show slight price declines.

Travellers are saving more on overnight stays. Hotel rates across the US are down eleven percent compared to last year. This drop is significant for families booking last-minute stays in big cities. In places like Boston, Las Vegas, and Miami, lower rates are encouraging longer visits. Internationally, hotels are also slightly cheaper, down two percent on average. For those choosing Vancouver or Rome, this softening in accommodation costs offsets rising airfare.

Alaska cruises are ending the year on a high. AAA forecasted a strong season, and the results confirm it. Both Seattle and Vancouver anchor this trend as the top ports. Travellers looking for dream voyages have boosted demand throughout summer. As September nears, many cruise lines are preparing to shift back to Caribbean and European itineraries. The popularity of these sailings underscores the growing appeal of cruise holidays across multiple age groups.

Not every family is flying this weekend. Many Americans are sticking close to home. AAA notes that national parks and nearby beaches are seeing higher bookings. Road trips remain a trusted option for those who want quick getaways. Lower hotel rates and steady gas prices make driving holidays attractive. This reflects a wider trend. While luxury cruises and European vacations capture headlines, simple road trips continue to define the core of US travel habits.

For international travellers, the story is not uniform. Hotels abroad are cheaper, but flights are rising. Vancouver holds the top spot, showing the continued pull of cruises. European cities such as Rome, London, and Paris are still magnets for American tourists. Dublin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona also remain firm favourites. Despite higher airfare, the mix of cultural experiences, heritage attractions, and late-summer festivals makes Europe irresistible for many. This shows a divide between price concerns and the power of destination appeal.

This weekend is more than just leisure. It reflects wider industry trends. Airlines benefit from strong domestic demand even as international tickets rise. Hotels see occupancy lifted by lower rates, which encourage more bookings. Car rental firms prepare for peak demand. Gas prices, meanwhile, remain a steady driver for road trips. Together, these elements confirm travel is resilient, even as costs shift. The balance between affordability and demand defines the 2025 Labor Day holiday.

Labor Day 2025 demonstrates that Americans are still eager to travel. Lower domestic costs are boosting confidence, while international trips continue despite rising airfare. Cruises, road trips, and city breaks highlight diverse preferences. Seattle, Orlando, and New York stand tall as the top cities, while Vancouver proves the strength of the international market. This final summer weekend shows travel demand is resilient, flexible, and deeply tied to tradition. Families, couples, and solo travellers are all finding ways to celebrate one last summer escape.