Americans Are Changing How They Spend Labor Day, New Report Shows
Inflation, flight chaos, and even safety fears are reshaping the holiday weekend.
Labor Day is usually about cookouts, road trips, and one last summer getaway. But this year, Americans are rethinking the tradition. A new report from Retrospec.com, based on a survey of 1,000 people, shows how much the holiday has shifted in 2025.
Most Americans Are Spending $500 or Less
Two-thirds of Americans are capping their Labor Day budgets at $500. That means shorter trips, fewer hotel stays, and cutbacks on eating out or paid events. Only one in three say inflation hasn’t touched their plans.
Nearly Two Out of Three Will Be Driving, Not Flying
Cars are king this year, with 64% of people opting for road trips. Just 13% are getting on a plane — a number driven down by both high airfare and growing safety concerns. Among younger travelers, one in five say they’re avoiding flights altogether.
Friday Is the Worst Day to Fly
Travel stress is peaking this holiday. One in three Americans feel more anxious about Labor Day trips than in past years, and with good reason. A quarter of flights are delayed on the Friday before the holiday. Sunday and Tuesday, by contrast, are the smoothest travel days, with 86% of flights on time.
One in Six Will Be Working the Holiday
Not everyone gets the weekend off. About 17% of Americans plan to work Labor Day for extra income. At the same time, another 17% admit they’ll “call out” or ghost their employer to make the long weekend even longer.
Six in Ten Have Regretted a Past Labor Day Trip
The most common complaints: traffic jams, storms, crowded destinations, and high costs. Still, most people are planning to celebrate in some way this year, whether that means a backyard barbecue, a camping trip, or a lake day close to home.
10 Affordable Last-Minute U.S. Getaways You Can Still Book Before Summer Ends
From city adventures to desert resorts and beach escapes, these domestic spots are offering wallet-friendly airfare right now. If you’re craving a getaway before the season ends, here’s where you should look first.
Read more: 10 Affordable Last-Minute U.S. Getaways You Can Still Book Before Summer Ends
The 12 Best States for a Summer Road Trip in 2025, Ranked
If you’ve been meaning to plan a road trip, there’s still time. Late summer is a great window to travel—crowds start thinning out in popular places, and the weather usually cooperates just long enough to squeeze in one more adventure.
Read more: The 12 Best States for a Summer Road Trip in 2025, Ranked
A Travel Expert Shared 10 Vacation ‘Dupes’ That Could Save You Hundreds
Think you need to spend a fortune to check off your bucket list? Think again. A growing number of travelers are ditching overpriced hot spots and opting for “destination dupes” instead—lesser-known (and far more affordable) alternatives to popular vacation spots that deliver a surprisingly similar experience.
Read more: A Travel Expert Shared 10 Vacation ‘Dupes’ That Could Save You Hundreds
Forget the Four Seasons – This Thai Resort Is the Ultimate White Lotus Dupe
If you’ve ever dreamed of checking into a White Lotus-worthy luxury resort—one where private villas, infinity pools, and five-star service come standard—but balked at the Four Seasons price tag, I have the perfect alternative.
Read more: Forget the Four Seasons – This Thai Resort Is the Ultimate White Lotus Dupe
14 of the Most Magical Places in the World to Experience at Least Once in Your Lifetime
From the serene landscapes of New Zealand to the vibrant culture of Colombia, these places are sure to give you a sense of wanderlust. So, prepare to be transported to a world of magic and wonder!
Read more: 14 of the Most Magical Places in the World to Experience
