15 Best Labor Day Trips To Book Right Now
Labor Day weekend is a wonderful time to get away for a last taste of summer’s departing warmth and leisure. If you want to make the most of your weekend getaway, take advantage of some of the hottest destinations, as we illuminate the top 15 trending destinations, according to Hipmunk trends. Hipmunk analyzed flight booking price changes from 2018 to 2019 to discover the locations you should visit.
While domestic trips are always fun and easy to do, with these great Labor Day deals on flights and tons of suggestions for sightseeing, some of these options might have you looking into that international trip you’ve been dreaming of. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find a fabulous place for your perfect vacation.
15. Portland, Oregon
Price for 2019: $373
Price for 2018: $416
Percentage Change: -10%
The hip city of Portland, Oregon, is No. 15 on Hipmunk’s list. From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down about $40 on average for Labor Day flights to this city of roses, cafes and indie art and music.
Why You Should Go
If you love nature, you’ll love Portland. Stroll the beauty of the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park or the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Take in the multifloored, world-renowned literature and magazines of Powell’s Books. Satisfy your food cravings at one of the dozens of food trucks at the Portland Mercado — all while in sight of breathtaking Mt. Hood.
14. Dublin
Price for 2019: $834
Price for 2018: $694
Percentage Change: 20%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone up about $140 on average for Labor Day flights to Dublin — but it’s totally worth the splurge. Lovers of big castles, dark beer and gorgeous natural scenery will love this city in Ireland.
Why You Should Go
Check out Blarney Castle & Gardens — renowned for the Blarney Stone that allegedly grants anyone who kisses it the gift of eloquent speech. Enjoy a pint at the Guinness Beer Storehouse or Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which dates back to 1198.
13. Chicago
Price for 2019: $312
Price for 2018: $284
Percentage Change: 10%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone up almost $30 on average for Labor Day flights to Chicago. Home to a number of major sports teams, great food and rich musical history, Chicago offers all the best things a big city can have.
Why You Should Go
Check out The Art Institute of Chicago for some fine art, grab a Chicago-style hotdog for lunch (extra pickle, relish and mustard), enjoy some jazz at a nightclub or hit up a game. You can’t lose!
12. Los Angeles
Price for 2019: $261
Price for 2018: $319
Percentage Change: -18%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down almost $60 on average for Labor Day flights to Los Angeles. Where else can you find the trifecta of great entertainment, unbelievable beaches and copious shopping?
Why You Should Go
Los Angeles offers a wide variety of entertainment: Investigate the theaters and filmmaking glitz of Hollywood, fly your fun flag at a theme park like Six Flags or soak up the sun at one of the numerous beaches along the stunning coast.
11. Newark, New Jersey
Price for 2019: $288
Price for 2018: $348
Percentage Change: -17%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down about $60 on average for Labor Day flights to Newark, New Jersey. For people who like the best of the city and nature in one fell swoop, with a slower pace than New York, Newark is the place to go.
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Why You Should Go
While Newark may not be synonymous with nature in most people’s minds, the biggest city in the Garden State is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the nation — even more than Washington, D.C. — located at Branch Brook Park. Take advantage of summer weather at the Newark waterfront, including 15 miles of open space at Riverfront Park, and enjoy a variety of free arts and music activities all over town.
10. San Francisco
Price for 2019: $298
Price for 2018: $345
Percentage Change: -14%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down almost $50 on average for Labor Day flights to San Francisco. San Francisco, the city by the Bay, packs a lot to do into less than 50 square miles for people of all ages.
Why You Should Go
People with a love of history might check out San Francisco City Hall, the site of significant events and life-changing activism. Golden Gate Park offers pastoral walks and many a music festival and, of course, one shouldn’t miss the wind-blown jaunt across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. For nature lovers, check out the cultivated San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum or a trip with the kids to the bustling San Francisco Zoo.
9. New York City
Price for 2019: $319
Price for 2018: $327
Percentage Change: -2%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down almost $8 on average for Labor Day flights to New York City. Even a few dollars difference in a ticket should make you jump at the chance to visit the Big Apple.
Why You Should Go
New York boasts attractions from the big and bold — such as The Statue of Liberty, the latest Broadway shows and Grand Central Station — to the small and intimate — such as the Met Cloisters, Prospect Park and Bushwick Street art.
8. Denver
Price for 2019: $353
Price for 2018: $306
Percentage Change: 15%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone up almost $50 on average for Labor Day flights to Denver. The Mile High City caters to outdoor enthusiasts, though there’s plenty for those who prefer to stay inside, too.
Why You Should Go
Railroad buffs may want to check out railroad-themed museums and several incredible railroad trips. The city also boasts family fun at the Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. Beyond all its rugged Wild West history, such as the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, it also offers the Denver Art Museum for fine art and a multitude of dining options.
7. Rome
Price for 2019: $1,091
Price for 2018: $1,075
Percentage Change: 1%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone up slightly at about $20 on average for Labor Day flights to Rome. You’ll think nothing of that $20 extra for your ticket when you arrive in the splendor of Rome, a city where ancient history and contemporary life mingle seamlessly.
Why You Should Go
You won’t want to miss the historical ruins of the Colosseum or Rome’s most ancient building, the Pantheon, with its curiously engineered open ceiling. Do all this while you treat yourself to rich gelato and delicious pasta and take a look at some of the world’s most famous art.
6. Las Vegas
Price for 2019: $320
Price for 2018: $346
Percentage Change: -8%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down slightly, about $26 on average for Labor Day flights to Las Vegas. Vegas may be known for its steamier side with The Strip, but it’s got just as many attractions for families and couples.
Why You Should Go
If you’re visiting with little ones, check out the Adventuredome — the amusement park at Circus Circus Hotel & Resort — which has rides and activities for kids. Or experience the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals at The Venetian Resort or absorb the sensory scene of the geyser-like Bellagio fountains, which include lights, music and choreographed water.
5. Boston
Price for 2019: $349
Price for 2018: $315
Percentage Change: 11%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone up slightly about $34 on average for Labor Day flights to Boston. This renowned city lures fans of early American history, sports and higher education.
Why You Should Go
Home to Harvard University and Fenway Park, Boston draws the erudite and the athletic alike. Check out the 3-mile-long Freedom Trail, which takes you on a journey through important markers of the American Revolution. Take in a ball game at Fenway Park, one of the most famous ballparks in the U.S. Even if you don’t take in a game, you can check out historical artifacts, including the Red Sox Hall of Fame. Or spend some time walking and dining through the picturesque and historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, with its unique varieties of architecture.
4. Orlando, Florida
Price for 2019: $290
Price for 2018: $291
Percentage Change: -1%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down just about $1 for Labor Day flights to Orlando, Florida. The balmy weather and numerous theme park-style attractions make Orlando a popular place to visit.
Why You Should Go
You can hardly move in this town without running into an amusement or theme park, from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort to Legoland Florida Resort, to name a few. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tour of the Chocolate Kingdom Factory. Have a wild time on a Safari Wilderness tour or hit up some of the most spectacular beaches within a short drive.
3. London
Price for 2019: $703
Price for 2018: $801
Percentage Change: -12%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down almost $100 for Labor Day flights to London. This cultured city of history, monarchy and art draws people of all kinds.
Why You Should Go
Visit Westminster Abbey, the church that has coronated kings and queens since 1066. Spy the glittering Crown Jewels or meet the famous ravens at the Tower of London, which once housed a prison. Or take in a watery view of London by boat on the River Thames.
2. Seattle
Price for 2019: $339
Price for 2018: $415
Percentage Change: -18%
From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down almost $100 for Labor Day flights to Seattle. This city offers stunning natural beauty, architectural sophistication and cutting edge art and dining.
Why You Should Go
Go for the famous attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market or the Gum Wall. Stay for whale watching off the San Juan Islands, drink great coffee and check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
1. Paris
Price for 2019: $914
Price for 2018: $1087
Percentage Change: -16%
Paris is the No. 1 Labor Day trip on Hipmunk’s list and you’re in luck: From 2018 to 2019, prices have gone down about $173 for Labor Day flights to this French city. The City of Love continues to draw art lovers, food lovers and just plain lovers from all over the world.
Why You Should Go
You might say Paris has it all — incredible food (it is home, after all, to the famous Le Cordon Bleu culinary school); some of the world’s most famous art (Mona Lisa, anyone?) at museums such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Rodin Museum; and history is baked into its architecture, like the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 15 Best Labor Day Trips To Book Right Now
