Important Travel News For Iowans Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching. Where Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, Labor Day marks the unofficial end.

My family will be leaving town this weekend to enjoy a summer last hurrah.

Do you have plans to travel this year? If so, there's a lot of good news when it comes to cost.

Labor Day 2025: Where Are We Going?

As Labor Day weekend approaches, AAA’s latest booking data shows Iowans and fellow Americans are chasing one last summer getaway before school routines kick in.

The most popular destinations nationwide?

• Seattle,
• Orlando
• New York City

Vancouver leads internationally.

READ MORE: Hold Up, Are Iowans Afraid of Flying?

There is good news when it comes to hard costs this year.

Labor Day 2025: What to Know About Travel Costs

Flights, hotels, and car rentals are all notably cheaper than this time last year, according to AAA.

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AAA data shows:

• Domestic airfare: Down 6% (avg. $720 round-trip)

• U.S. hotel stays: Down 11% (avg. $495 multi-night)

• Car rentals: Down 3% (avg. $545 multi-day)

For international travelers:

• Airfare: Up 8% (avg. $1,470 round-trip)

• Hotels: Down 2% (avg. $590 multi-night)

• Car rentals: Down 42% (avg. $645 multi-day)

• Cruises: Down 9% from international ports

AAA says the mix of affordability at home and unique opportunities abroad makes now a great time to book trips, whether for Labor Day or future vacations.

A Lot of Iowans will Be on the Road This Labor Day Weekend

For Iowans and their neighbors, this holiday means a major road-tripping moment.

AAA forecasted that more than 3.7 million people from the West North Central region, which includes Iowa, are expected to travel at least 50 miles for the long weekend.

READ MORE: Recent TSA Policy Change Will Save You Time This Labor Day

That’s nearly 116,000 more travelers than last year and marks one of the busiest travel weekends for the region in years.

Are you traveling this weekend? Safe travels if you are!

Unfortunately, no one will be visiting Wasserbahn Water Park this Labor Day Weekend.