Oregon / Washington / Coast Holiday Weekend Travel: AAA Says Higher Gas Prices, Busier

Published 08/30/2026 at 9:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – This coming big weekend means shelling out more moola and a run of the usual favorite places to hit for the holiday.

AAA said many travelers are preparing for one last getaway over the Labor Day weekend. Booking data from their own systems shows strong interest in Alaska cruises, national parks, central Oregon, the Oregon coast, Disneyland and Las Vegas among members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Memorial Day typically launches the summer travel season, while Labor Day marks its end. The holiday weekend is usually busier than most August and September weekends, though overall travel volumes remain lower than Memorial Day and Independence Day. With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families often opt for shorter, close-to-home trips.

For some, they don't even head out just yet, waiting until September.

This is a prime time to book holiday travel and start planning trips for next spring and summer, AAA said.

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“Many travelers are eager to enjoy one last summer getaway over the Labor Day weekend before fall routines resume,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

AAA reports that most Labor Day travel expenses are higher than last year, including domestic flights, hotels, cruises, tours and gas. Rental cars and international flights, however, are cheaper.

Searches and bookings from AAA Oregon/Idaho members show Alaska cruises leading demand, with Anchorage and the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., ranking among the most popular regional and international destinations. Disneyland and Las Vegas continue to be perennial favorites.

Regional travel remains strong as well, such as the coast or central Oregon, along with Boise, Billings and Redding.

Then there's the bummer gas price news.

Drivers will face significantly higher fuel costs compared with last year. The national average price for regular gas is $4.08, while Oregon’s average is $4.80 as of August 29. On Labor Day last year, the national average was $3.19 and Oregon’s was $3.98.

“Drivers nationally and here in Oregon will pay the highest prices ever for gas over the Labor Day holiday weekend, beating the old record highs for the holiday set in 2022 and 2023,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Current gas prices: https://gasprices.aaa.com

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