Holiday weekends are notorious for being some of the most expensive dates to travel. You’re not out of luck if you haven’t booked your Labor Day getaway yet. Airfare stays reasonable to several domestic and international cities over the holiday, allowing you to take full advantage of the long weekend.
Book a trip to one of these cities for an affordable three-day escape:
Aruba
Labor Day weekend is technically the tail end of Aruba’s off-season, which means flight deals are out there if you’re savvy. Score a direct flight from many U.S. cities without the summer surge pricing, and you’re already ahead of the game. You’ll also save on hotels and resorts by avoiding peak season. Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, weather isn’t of too much concern in September, either. Aruba is one of the driest Caribbean islands during the month.
Spend your days lounging on Eagle Beach (ranked one of the best in the world), snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island’s natural wonders like Arikok National Park—all without shelling out big bucks. When you need a bite, hit up the food trucks for some authentic Aruban bites like pastechi (savory pastries) or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many local joints. The portions are generous, and the prices are just right.
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s central location in the U.S. means that flight deals are plentiful, especially if you book early. When you get there, renting a bike or scooter to explore the city on two wheels is the way to go—Denver is very bike-friendly.
Denver’s natural beauty and outdoor activities are unbeatable—and often free. Take a day trip to Red Rocks Park for a hike with gorgeous views, or visit one of Denver’s many free parks and gardens, like the Denver Botanic Gardens. The city’s artsy RiNo neighborhood is like a free art museum covered in big, colorful murals and home to tons of reasonably priced breweries. Splurge on a rooftop bar nearby for mountain views—a drink is still less expensive than a pricey observation ticket elsewhere. As a bonus, Denver’s cultural scene kicks into high gear over Labor Day weekend with festivals, free concerts, and outdoor movie nights.
Mexico City, Mexico
Once you land at Benito Juárez International Airport, you’ll quickly realize that your dollars stretch much further in CDMX than in most other world capitals. Reaching the airport won’t break the bank either—several U.S. airlines offer well-priced flights from major cities.
Explore the historic center, where you can visit the majestic Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes at no cost. Take a leisurely walk through Chapultepec Park, home to free museums and beautiful gardens, or take a stroll down the vibrant streets of Roma and Condesa, where street art and cool cafés are everywhere you look. Round out your visit by visiting the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where admission is just $4.
Mexico City is a culinary hub where you can feast for just a few pesos. Tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, and churros sizzle on the streets, while at sit-down restaurants, you’ll find incredible deals on multi-course meals that would cost triple the price back home. Mercado de Coyoacán and Mercado Roma are perfect for tasting local flavors on a budget.
Chicago, Illinois
With two major airports—O’Hare and Midway—you have plenty of flight options to reach Chicago, which means competitive prices year-round. Moving within the city is equally as affordable. The CTA, Chicago’s public transit system, is extensive, and rideshares can be found for prices as low as $6. Getting between key areas of the city is an adventure in itself on the water taxi, which is a scenic and inexpensive ride along the Chicago River.
Stroll through Millennium Park and snap a selfie with the iconic Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), or take in the skyline from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Catch a free concert in one of the city’s parks, check out a comedy show at a local club, or enjoy the sights and sounds of the Navy Pier. If you’re a sports fan, you might find affordable tickets to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or a White Sox game on the South Side.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto might be Canada’s biggest city, but it’s surprisingly budget-friendly thanks to the strength of the U.S. dollar—especially over Labor Day weekend. The city’s public transit system is cheap and reliable and will easily get you between free and low-cost activities, which are plentiful in the city. Check out the street art in Graffiti Alley, or spend an afternoon exploring the Distillery District—no admission fees are required. Several of the city’s top museums offer free admission on specific days.
The Toronto International Buskerfest is one of the most unique things to do in Toronto over Labor Day weekend. For four days, world-class street performers descend on the city, supported by food stalls and an artisan market. Entrance is just $10 per person or $20 for two adults and two children.
Seattle, Washington
Thanks to Seattle’s status as a major West Coast hub, flights are often reasonably priced, even from the East Coast. After arriving, fill three days in Seattle by strolling through the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, or for a quintessential Seattle experience, by hopping on a ferry to Bainbridge Island. The ferry ride itself is an affordable way to see the city skyline from the water, and once you’re on the island, you can explore charming shops, cafes, and hiking trails.
Seafood is a must in Seattle, but you don’t need to shell out for a fancy dinner. Instead, head to Pike Place Chowder for some award-winning soup, or swing by a local fish market to pick up fresh oysters and salmon to enjoy at a nearby park. Many local bars and cafes host free or low-cost shows featuring everything from indie rock to jazz, so you can catch a performance after your picnic without paying lofty concert ticket prices.
Washington, D.C.
Seeing the best Washington, D.C. has to offer is shockingly inexpensive, despite the city’s exorbitant cost of living. The National Mall is home to world-class museums and monuments you can visit without paying a dime. You could easily fill an entire Washington, D.C. itinerary by exploring the Smithsonian museums—like the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, or the National Gallery of Art—all of which offer free admission. You can also see some of the nation’s most well-known landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head to the Tidal Basin for a peaceful walk around the water or visit the National Arboretum, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens and historic columns. At the opposite end of the National Mall, step into the U.S. Capitol Building—free tours are available, and you can even sit in on a session of Congress if it’s in session.
Vancouver, Canada
One of the best things about Vancouver is how much you can do for free or low cost. Start by exploring Stanley Park, where you can walk or bike the Seawall, check out totem poles, or simply soak in sweeping mountains and ocean views. Later, visit the Museum of Anthropology, which offers perspective into the First Nations cultures of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re more into nature, take a day trip to Grouse Mountain. You can hike the challenging Grouse Grind or just ride the Skyride gondola. Either way, the views from the top are breathtaking.
When you get hungry, wander into Vancouver’s Asian communities for an affordable flavorful cultural experience. Try dim sum in Chinatown, ramen in the West End, or hang out at one of the city’s many izakayas for small plates and drinks that won’t drain your wallet. Evenings in Vancouver are just as exciting and can be done with a budget in mind. Vancouver is known for its craft beer scene, and you can enjoy a pint or two without spending too much. If you’re looking for something more low-key, head to one of the city’s beach bonfires or outdoor movie screenings, which are often free or cheap.
Atlanta, Georgia
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and Delta Airlines’ primary hub, meaning there’s a good chance you can find a great deal on airfare, especially if you book ahead. The city offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels downtown to rentals in neighborhoods like Inman Park or Cabbagetown.
Atlanta’s food scene is so epic that you could spend your entire weekend eating through the city. Wake up with Home Grown GA, a cozy diner known for its affordable and delicious biscuits and gravy. For lunch, check out Ponce City Market, where a variety of food stalls offer international cuisines at reasonable prices.
For culture and history, check out the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, where you can learn about the life and legacy of Dr. King at no cost. Then, head to the High Museum of Art, which offers discounted admission on certain days and free admission on the second Sunday of each month. The Atlanta BeltLine, a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail, is another must-visit—it’s lined with public art installations, local markets, and plenty of places to grab a bite or a drink.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
