Five Labor Day Destination Ideas and Advice to Make This Holiday Perfect

It’s been a long summer, and you, like everyone else, deserve one last hurrah before the school year rolls around. Well, Labor Day weekend is one of the best (and busiest) travel holidays of the year, with plenty of unique activities available for you and your family. A Labor Day weekend getaway is the perfect opportunity to explore some new and exciting areas, even if you’re traveling solo.

In fact, it’s fair to say that Labor Day is one of the best September vacation times, even though everybody else has basically the same idea. Yes, you’ll be fighting through a lot of traffic and travelers just about everywhere you go on this weekend. Don’t let that bother you! You truly deserve a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, no matter where you end up going.

So, if you’re interested in taking a long weekend trip this Labor Day, make sure you read through the following guide to learn more! At The Parking Spot, we’ve done all the research and carefully whittled down some great trip ideas to a handful of amazing options. Remember to reserve an airport parking spot with us before your trip!

A History of Labor Day by The Parking Spot

Before you plan your Labor Day weekend, it’s worth knowing a little bit about the history of this national holiday. After all, your Labor Day weekend getaway and long weekend vacation are built on the backs of a lot of hard work, and knowing the background may make your family vacation more meaningful for you.

Officially observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day became a national holiday on June 28, 1894, though states such as Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York drafted and passed state-based Labor Day bills almost 10 years before that. Actually, the first known celebration was held as early as 1882 in New York City by the Central Labor Union. Since then, Labor Day has become one of the busiest long-weekend travel times of the year.

Considerations When Planning Your Long Weekend

We know that preparing for your Labor Day trip requires a lot of careful consideration. For example, it’s essential to plan around potential traffic delays, find amazing deals on your accommodations, and save money on your flight. The following considerations for your long Labor Day vacation will ensure your trip ideas go smoothly, no matter your plan.

Traffic Delays: A Labor Day Weekend Tradition

According to NPR, there were over 100,000 flights last Labor Day, with a comparable ground traffic surge hitting just about everywhere. So, how does this affect your trip ideas? Honestly, there’s not much you can do besides trying to reserve a parking spot ahead of time and using ride-sharing apps. Ride-sharing mitigates driving angst but does add to your trip costs.

Flight Planning: Tips to Save Money

Should you try to save cash by booking basic economy fares with your airline? If you don’t mind tight quarters next to strangers or paying extra for food or other basic amenities, economy tickets can save you lots of money on your trip. Just know that your plane is likely to be packed with travelers. Why not consider other money-saving travel tips from The Parking Spot?

Driving Safety: Tips to Keep in Mind

If your Labor Day weekend getaway includes a lot of driving, it’s important to research the roads ahead of time, use your GPS wisely, stay rested and hydrated, and learn the rules of the area. Identify road construction zones and find alternative routes around them.

Booking Accommodations: Always Plan Ahead of Time

If it’s the weekend before Labor Day, you might have waited too long to book your accommodations. Finding the best deals (or any at all) requires you to plan at least two or three months before your vacation. That said, the best travel apps can help you find amazing deals when they open up and save you real money on your big Labor Day vacation destination.

General Safety Tips: Keeping Everyone Happy

The Red Cross shared multiple Labor Day vacation trips that should minimize any potential dangers. For example, you should avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol when the temperatures are high, wear loose, lightweight clothing, stay indoors when the day is at its hottest, only swim in areas with lifeguards, stay away from rip tides, and always bring first aid kits on your trip.

6 Best Trip Ideas for Your Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Now that you’ve read through the best tips and trip ideas we have to offer at The Parking Spot, you can start planning your Labor Day weekend destination. Whether you reserve a parking spot with us or not, the following destinations will make your long weekend this Labor Day as memorable as possible. Let’s dive right in to learn more about your amazing options!

1. New Orleans, Louisiana: Southern Decadence

New Orleans (or NOLA) is always an amazing party destination that even works well as a family vacation in the right light. However, Southern Decadence may not be the kind of experience you share with your kids. As one of the biggest pride events in the nation, it’s an event you’ll remember.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a compatriot, Southern Decadence is a lot of fun to experience. Expect drag shows, music celebrations, and other unique experiences. Outside of Pride Month festivities, Southern Decadence is the biggest event in the community.

Tips for Traveling in NOLA

When booking a Labor Day weekend trip, don’t be afraid to embrace the wild atmosphere of NOLA! Beyond Southern Decadence, there are regions like Uptown, Marigny, and the Garden District where you can enjoy a fun and delightfully decadent Labor Day weekend getaway.

2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Looking for long weekend trip ideas that are a little quieter than a multi-block NOLA pride party? Well, The Parking Spot strongly suggests Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. As one of the largest national parks in the country, there’s plenty to do here that we think you’ll love.

For example, you can see beautiful moose in their natural environment, camp for your whole trip and experience the rough life, visit the park store, or even go swimming in safe areas. If relaxation is the name of the game this Labor Day, visit the Grand Tetons National Park!

Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Book ahead at places like Jenny Lake Lodge to stay comfortable. If camping here, make sure you watch for wildlife like grizzlies and black bears and listen to the ranger to avoid danger.

3. Bonaire, Caribbean Islands

If you’re interested in a very “out-of-the-way” travel destination for Labor Day, Bonaire is a great option! As part of the Caribbean Islands (a municipality of the Netherlands), Bonaire is a gorgeous tropical destination that sits outside the hurricane belt, making it very safe to visit.

You could just book an ocean-side hotel and relax in the sun with a drink in your hand and the wind in your hair. However, you can also visit the area’s many amazing restaurants, go shopping, or even hit up some musical celebrations with steel drum bands and more.

Tips for Visiting Bonaire

Bonaire residents often speak English, though rarely flawlessly, so bring along either a Spanish or Dutch translation guide to get around more easily. You won’t need a specialized visa to visit Bonaire, though you’ll have to pay a departure tax of $35 (it’s included in your plane ticket).

4. Bristol, UK: Forwards Music Festival

Taking place over Labor Day weekend, the Forwards Musical Festival is one of the best trip ideas for people who want a long weekend filled with amazing music. If you’re into popular international artists this is a festival you won’t want to miss!

Tips for Visiting Bristol

You’re going to be on your feet a lot at Forwards Music Festival, so it’s important to pack your bag properly. It should include everything you need without weighing you down too much. The best tips for packing cover things like bringing snacks and water to stay hydrated and fed.

5. Iceland

Ove the years, Iceland has gone from the best-kept travel secret to a bustling tourist mecca. However, Labor Day is the perfect time to come visit because the temperatures are dipping (closer to the 40s and 50s) and people are heading out for warmer climates.

If you pack properly for a colder vacation experience, you can enjoy things like the Myvatn Nature Baths, glacier visits, ice adventures, and even luxury hotels. Frankly, Iceland’s amazing accommodations make it a great place to visit all year round, not just on Labor Day.

Tips for Visiting Iceland

Labor Day is the start of shoulder season in Iceland, so getting around shouldn’t be too hard. That said, make sure you plan for some of the quirks of Icelandic visits. For example, don’t bring cash. Like most Nordic countries, credit or debit cards are king, and cash payments are rare.

Book Your Labor Day Weekend Safely

We hope that these trip ideas make your Labor Day weekend getaway an unforgettable experience! No matter where you plan on traveling (such as booking a European train trip or a truly far-flung travel destination), there should be plenty of amazing opportunities for fun! Solo adventures, family trips, and even romantic weekend getaways are all available at great prices!

So, if you’re ready to book your long weekend this Labor Day and need to reserve a parking spot, contact us at The Parking Spot to get started. Join our Spot Club to get easy access to various discounted coupons and deals. You can also use our travel tips to make your vacation even more enjoyable, no matter where you go!