Bend and Central Oregon again top AAA’s list of favorite Labor Day weekend travel destinations around the Northwest
Barney Lerten
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up.
AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.
Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.
“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”
AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland, and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.
Top Labor Day destinations
Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, based on searches and bookings:
Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations.
Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.
The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.
Labor Day gas prices
Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.
The national average is currently $3.15 and the Oregon average is $3.99 (as of August 15, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.
Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/
Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/
“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday or even edge lower, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Best and worst times to drive
INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.
The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.
“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”
Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:
Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs
Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying less for domestic flights and more for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2024
Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.
International flights are 8% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.
Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are less than in 2024.
Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $495. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $590. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
Car Rentals: Daily car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2024.
Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $545 total – not the daily rate.
International car rentals are 42% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $645 – not the daily rate.
Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are more expensive while those departing from international cities are cheaper this year.
Cruises departing from domestic cities are 3% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.
Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,545.
Cruises departing from international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.
Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,725.
Tours: AAA finds tours cost more this year.
Tour prices in domestic cities are 37% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2024.
Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,020.
Tours in international cities are 15% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.
Average cost for an international tour is $2,880.
For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.
Tips for those flying this Labor Day
Air travel volume surged to new highs this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The busiest days to fly are the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and then most travelers fly home on Monday, which is Labor Day, and Tuesday. Days that will be less crowded are Saturday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 3.
AAA has tips for air travelers:
Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.
Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking. Some parking facilities let you book in advance.
Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker.
Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
Over the Labor day holiday weekend, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day itself are expected to be the busiest air travel days.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.
REAL ID:
TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7. Passengers are required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These are REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards.
Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include:
A U.S. passport or passport card
Any government-issued passport
DHS Trusted Traveler cards, including Global Entry and SENTRI
U.S. military IDs (active duty, retired, and dependent)
Air travelers who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening so plan on lots of extra time. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA’s website.
AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend
AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,000 here in Oregon.
AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.
Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.
“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit, and bring enough supplies including water, snacks, blankets and extra clothing. Having these supplies can go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable if you encounter significant delays. A crash can tie up traffic for hours. And if you do get stuck or have a breakdown, you don’t always have cell phone service in remote areas,” says Dodds.
Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep