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AAA TourBook ® Guides

The travel information you trust, reimagined for on-the-go., find your next getaway with the tourbook guides, available for destinations across north america and the caribbean..

Since 1926, AAA members have trusted the travel information in AAA's free TourBook guides to help them plan their most memorable vacations, whether it's a cozy romantic escape, a fun family vacation or an adventure-filled trip with friends.

What you'll find in every TourBook:

• City overviews
• Must-see attractions
• Sample itineraries
• AAA Diamond hotels
• “Book Now” buttons to reserve your hotel room with AAA rates
• Nearby road trips and scenic drives

Our Travel Editors and AAA Inspectors

Our travel editors find the attractions you don't want to miss, including those designated AAA GEM (Great Experience for Members) attractions. Editors have even created sample 1-day itineraries to help you make the most of your trip.

Our AAA inspectors evaluate hotels across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. They check for quality, amenities and cleanliness, and they designate each hotel according to the AAA Diamond Program. Diamond designations are based on the level of amenities you can expect at each property, so you know that no matter the Diamond level, you can be confident that every AAA Diamond property has passed a rigorous, in-person inspection and is Inspected Clean.

Select a TourBook guide below and begin planning your next adventure today!

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Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024

Aaa booking data shows alaska cruises, european cities, and tourist attractions are most popular.

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking , blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.  

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”  

AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.   

According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%. Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

  Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend   

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”  

Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend   

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

About AAA   

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.  

  About INRIX  

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Book a Hotel

• Access to negotiated AAA and CAA member hotel rates with a wide selection of accommodations
• A choice of worldwide destinations that fit your interests and your budget
• Help from AAA Travel Agents to find discounted travel deals to fit your schedule, budget, and personal preferences

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AAA Diamond Designations for Hotels

Msg.hotel.inspections.

AAAs on-site professional hotel inspections are unscheduled to ensure a typical service experience. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that describes the overall quality, range of facilities and level of hospitality offered.

Is it Cheaper to Fly or Drive for Your Vacation?

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR VACATION—COMPARE COSTS, TRAVEL TIMES, AND OTHER PROS AND CONS OF A ROAD TRIP VS AIR TRAVEL

THE COST OF FLYING FOR YOUR VACATION

In 2023, the average cost of a “good deal” round-trip domestic flight ranges between $328 and $463. According to the Bureau of Transportation , here is the average cost of airfare for domestic flights out of the top 10 busiest airports in the United States:   

Atlanta (ATL):  $411.54

Boston (BOS):  $404.80

Chicago-O’Hare (ORD):  $386.59

Dallas (DFW):  $434.42

Denver (DEN):  $361.14

Los Angeles (LAX):  $447.52

Newark (EWR):  $424.69

Orlando (MCO):  $292.35

Phoenix (PHX):  $407.12

Seattle (SEA):  $437.21   

There are a number of factors that determine how much your flight will cost, including the departure and arrival airports, time of year, day of week, time of day, the airline, type of flight, and more.   

For example, summer months are typically more expensive, as are weekend and nonstop flights. Plus, some airlines charge additional fees, such as for checked or carry-on luggage (ranging from $25 to $89 for one bag), or for choosing your seat ahead of time (approximately $10 – $30 per seat, per flight segment).   

The good news is there are also a number of ways you can save money on your flight. These include:    

• Booking ahead of time
• Flying out of alternate airports
• Setting price alerts and monitoring flight prices
• Being flexible with your departure and/or arrival dates and times
• Flying with a layover, versus nonstop
• Using credit card points or miles to purchase your flight
• Traveling on budget airlines

The cost of driving for your vacation also varies depending on where you live, where you’re going, what type of vehicle you drive, and what you plan along the way. A general rule of thumb is to budget around $150 per person per day. Depending on how far you’re traveling, you may need to budget for:   

• Vehicle maintenance
• Overnight accommodations
• Tickets and other expenses for attractions or destinations you’ll visit along the way

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.47, though it can range from $3.24 to $4.90, depending on where you live. Gas prices can change from day to day, but when budgeting for your road trip, you may want to assume an average of $3.50 per gallon.   

If your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles to the gallon and your vehicle holds 13 gallons, below is what you can expect to pay for gas while traveling. Remember to double the cost if you’re driving roundtrip.   

• 250 miles, you’ll pay about $35
• 500 miles, you’ll pay about $70
• 750 miles, you’ll pay about $105
• 1,000 miles, you’ll pay about $140 

If you're staying in a hotel, costs can vary based on the hotel you choose. Lately, hotel prices have increased more than 50%, with an average cost of $212 per night, though you’ll likely be able to find lower costs at budget hotels.   

To keep road trip costs down, you can:   

• Set a budget ahead of time and stick to it
• Stay at budget hotels or cheaper accommodations if possible
• Pack your own drinks and snacks
• Purchase any tickets for attractions or destinations in advance
• Redeem fuel points for gas savings

Besides cost, also consider what’s most important to you when it comes to your vacation, such as flexibility in your itinerary, travel time, and control.  Below are some pros and cons of flying versus driving.    

The Pros of Flying   

• Getting to your destination faster
• Enjoying relatively safe and comfortable travel
• It can be the cheapest option for long-distance travel
• There's no planning, stopping, or getting lost—you can sit back and relax
• Makes it easier to travel long distances

The Cons of Flying   

• Spending extra time in airports.
• Potential costs of renting a car or paying for transportation during your trip
• Expensive—depending on the route, season, and airline
• It can be stressful, especially if you have layovers
• Flights can be delayed or canceled
• Packing can be a challenge

The Pros of Driving    

• Friends and family traveling in one vehicle can split the costs
• Flexibility and freedom with your itinerary—stop or take a detour whenever you want
• Take as much luggage as you like, and it’s easier to pack
• Pack your own foods and snacks
• Offers more privacy and comfort
• Allows for more control over your vacation budget

The Cons of Driving   

• High—and somewhat unpredictable—gas prices
• Taking the risk of vehicle troubles, which could impact your plans and your budget
• Potential stress of traffic, construction, detours, etc.
• Takes more time, especially for longer trips
• Getting tired and having less energy for your actual vacation
• Getting lost

For a shorter trip, driving is likely going to be more economical than flying. But for longer, cross-country trips, flying will likely be a much cheaper and better choice.  

At the end of the day, flying or driving for your vacation depends on your personal preference. Flying may be more expensive and stressful, but it will get you to your destination faster and easier. On the flip side, driving will take longer to get where you're going, but it's likely to be less expensive and offers more flexibility when it comes to spontaneity, budgeting, and pace.  

When planning for a vacation, it’s important to weigh the options of flying and driving. Set a budget and determine which is more affordable, based on the information provided above and your own research.