The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Labor Day weekend getaways: Best last-minute destinations

Labor Day weekend begins Friday, August 31

Chelsea Ritschel
in New York
Thursday 23 August 2018 16:41 BST
Comments
The best Labor Day weekend getaways (Stock)
The best Labor Day weekend getaways (Stock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It's the unofficial end to summer, and Labor Day weekend is the perfect chance to take a summer vacation before the school year begins and the warm days slowly turn colder.

To get the most out of the long weekend, there are plenty of last-minute deals for those looking to head to warmer tropical climates or just for a change of scenery.

These are the Labor Day weekend destinations with the best deals - but act fast as Labor Day is fast-approaching.

To book a vacation or peruse the most inexpensive last-minute deals, you can visit:

Labor Day marks the close of the season in this popular beach town.

The weekend is the last time to experience the local shops and restaurants the coastal town boasts before they close up for winter.

Visit the shops in Cape Cod before they close for the season
Visit the shops in Cape Cod before they close for the season (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Although Labor Day weekend is typically one of the busiest times of the year in Cape Cod, it is worth experiencing the quaint town before it gets too cold.

Charleston combines laid-back beach vibes with the bustle of a city - making it a great destination if you are looking for the best of both worlds.

City Market is a must-see, as are the impressive mansions scattered throughout the city painted in pastel colours.

Travel to Charleston for a scenic, relaxing Labor Day weekend (Stock)
Travel to Charleston for a scenic, relaxing Labor Day weekend (Stock)

According to travel site Expedia, those interested in flights to Charleston for Labor Day weekend can enjoy nearly 10 per cent savings right now.

If you’re looking for more of a resort feel for the long weekend, Cancun is the perfect last-minute destination.

Cancun is the perfect tropical destination (Stock)
Cancun is the perfect tropical destination (Stock)

With many hotels to choose from, ranging in price, a trip to Cancun doesn’t have to be expensive.

Expedia reports travellers booking trips to Cancun can currently enjoy roughly 20 per cent savings.

If the thought of a vacation in Hawaii isn’t appealing enough, Labor Day deals mean it is also affordable.

According to Expedia, flight and hotel savings for Kailua-Kona are currently between 10 and 20 per cent.

The island is always sunny (Stock)
The island is always sunny (Stock)

On the island, where the weather is almost always dry and sunny, vacationers can hike to nearby waterfalls, snorkel, or just relax on the beach.

With tons of waterfront shops to peruse, Nantucket is an idyllic place to spend the last summer weekend.

Nantucket is the perfect place to relax during the long holiday weekend
Nantucket is the perfect place to relax during the long holiday weekend (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Rent a bike and explore the island, visit the city’s various galleries, and indulge in seafood before the season is over.

Beautiful Palm Springs is the perfect destination for those looking for outdoor activities and scenic nature views.

With 15 per cent savings on flights right now, it is also a bargain.

Palm Springs is for those looking for incredible views (Stock)
Palm Springs is for those looking for incredible views (Stock)

Visitors can check out the museums, attend a dine-in movie theatre, or enjoy a jeep tour.

Parts of the town may be closed on Labor Day, but there is still a ton to do in the Canadian city over the long weekend - one of the most popular times to visit.

This is the busiest time to visit Montreal
This is the busiest time to visit Montreal (Getty Images)

Be sure to visit Old Montreal - a quaint cobblestone-lined part of town with shops and restaurants.

This beach town is typically less crowded than some of New Jersey’s other popular shore points - with tons to offer.

New Jersey is the perfect place for a getaway (Stock)
New Jersey is the perfect place for a getaway (Stock)

In addition to a small boardwalk, Pier Village offers shopping, entertainment, and great food.

The nation’s capital is a fun place to spend the long weekend.

DC is perfect for a long weekend (Stock)
DC is perfect for a long weekend (Stock)

DC always offers tons of interesting things to do and see, such as the plethora of museums, but visitors during Labor Day Weekend have the added option of attending the Labor Day Capitol Concert on the West Lawn - a free performance by the world-renowned National Symphony Orchestra.

Sedona offers stunning views of towering red rock formations and more than 100 different hiking trails.

Visitors can embark on a pink jeep tour in Sedona (Stock)
Visitors can embark on a pink jeep tour in Sedona (Stock)

Arizona is extremely hot in the summer months but visitors to Sedona can cool down at Slide Rock State Park, home to numerous natural swimming pools.

Labor Day weekend begins Friday, August 31 and ends Monday, September 3. To book a flight or find a last-minute hotel, you can view all of Expedia's deals here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in