Recently updated on August 1st, 2024 at 11:28 am
Falling on the first Monday in September, the Labor Day long weekend usually marks the unofficial end of summer. That means there’s still time for last adventure – and the long weekend offers the perfect chance to squeeze in a much-needed escape.
If you can afford to take more time off and take advantage of the holiday, there are many fantastic Labor Day getaways that will take you somewhere entirely new. Perhaps the warmth of the Mediterranean or the rugged beauty of the American outdoors is calling!
From Europe’s historic sights to stunning USA landscape, we’ve curated a list of 10 diverse Labor Day getaways.
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Washington D.C. – history and galleries
Use the Labor Day weekend to get more acquainted with American history and culture with a trip to Washington D.C., the nation’s capital. Discover the iconic monuments and memorials that grace the National Mall, and experience the seat of American power with visits the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court. Better yet, explore the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection with everything from dinosaur bones to air and spacecrafts.
Trafalgar’s eight-day Historic Highlights trip explores the richness of this young nation, cutting a lap from the capital to explore colonial history at Williamsburg, the legacy of Gettysburg, and the history of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia.
TAKE A TRIP: Historic Highlights
Greece – for warm weather and history
September in Greece is a time of great weather, with warm days and cool evenings ideal for exploring ancient ruins bathed in golden sunlight. Picture yourself wandering through the Acropolis in Athens, or marveling at Parthenon. Celebrate Labor Day by jetting between Greek islands, seeing Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife.
Trafalgar’s Best of Greece tour explores the best of the mainland, ticking off iconic landmarks and uncovering hidden gems. Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete, delve into the history of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, and sail the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea for a unique Labor Day getaway.
PLAN A TRIP: Best of Greece
Scotland – for hiking and charming towns
Cool climate Scotland will be awash with crisp autumn air in September – and it’s an ideal time to traverse the majestic Scottish Highlands. Here you’ll find rugged mountains, deep valleys, and glistening blue lochs – the postcard-perfect backdrop for scenic hikes.
Trafalgar’s Best of Scotland tour delves into the heart of the country, showcasing its breathtaking scenery, cultural heritage, and historic yet vibrant cities. You’ll hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, explore the historic battlefields of Culloden, and cruise the mysterious Loch Ness. There are charming villages to explore, locals to meet over a pint at the pub, and plenty of Scottish culture to absorb.
LABOR DAY TRIP: Best of Scotland
American Southwest – for national parks
Turn your long weekend into a weeklong adventure with a trip from Denver to Las Vegas. Embrace the untamed beauty of the American Southwest on a Labor Day adventure. You’ll cross through Utah’s iconic National Parks, including Canyonlands, Arches, and the Grand Canyon.
Trafalgar’s Best of the Canyonlands tour squeezes in the best of the American wilderness into a few days. The trip explores dramatic landscapes with canyons, mesas, buttes, and unique rock formations. Take in incredible views of iconic places, like the Grand Canyon, see ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, and see some 6,000 natural sandstone arches.
EXPLORE NATURE: Best of the Canyonlands
Tuscany, Italy – for art and culture
Escape the peak season crowds and bask in the warm Italian sunshine as Tuscany shifts from the sizzling summer into its shoulder season. Tuscany is a beautiful Italian destination. Here rolling hills are blanketed with vineyards and charming medieval villages, and its cities hold some of the country’s best art.
One of the top Labor Day getaways could be Trafalgar’s Rome and Tuscan Highlights trip, a nine-day jaunt across the capital and countryside. Explore Rome’s landmarks – from the Sistine Chapel’s frescoes to the Colleseum, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Then travel into the heart of Tuscany to visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci in Vinci. You’ll also delve into the history of Renaissance art in Florence, and soak up the healing waters of Montecatini Terme.
Experience the best of Italy for less with our Extra Savings on September deals.
GET A CULTURE HIT: Rome and Tuscan Highlights
Normandy, France – châteaus and history
Discover the beauty Normandy on a quick Labor Day getaway to France! In early September you can expect good weather, ideal for exploring the dramatic coastline and historic sites. Normandy’s most famous draw is the D-Day Landing Beaches. This site is a mustt-visit for history buffs eager to learn about the sacrifices made during World War II. Beyond the coast, Normandy is a region rich with charming villages, medieval castles, and the famous Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can experience the treasures of Normandy (and beyond) on Trafalgar’s The Treasures of France tour. On this eight-day trip you’ll taste wines in the Loire Valley, sleep in a 17th-century château, and see Paris.
EXPLORE NORMANDY: The Treasures of France
America’s Western Frontiers – Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore
Explore the spirit of the Wild West, and turn your long weekend into a 10-day trek. You’ll cross the rugged terrain of the American Southwest, following in the footsteps of cowboys and explorers. Trafalgar’s 10-day Western Frontiers tour takes you through iconic landscapes and the untamed beauty of America’s frontier.
The fun starts in dazzling Las Vegas. You’ll pass the waterfalls of Zion National Park, and through Bryce Canyon National Park with its towering hoodoos. See Monument Valley, a place immortalized in countless Western films. Then spend two glorious days exploring the geothermal wonders and diverse wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Pass by Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, and explore Wild West heritage in Cody, Wyoming, a town founded by legendary frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Western Frontiers
Ireland – coastal scenes and verdant landscapes
Use the Labor Day long weekend for a rapid jaunt across the Emerald Isle. You can squeeze in the vibrant city of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone for eloquence, and marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher on the six-day Treasures of Ireland trip. Best of all, September is an ideal time to explore Ireland’s verdant landscapes.
On this fast-paced trip you’ll also lap the Ring of Kerry and explore Irish culture (and lively pubs!), You’ll stop in Waterford, and see the landscapes of Killarney National Park.
TAKE A TRIP: Treasures of Ireland
RELATED BLOG: 10 ways to extend your summer beyond Labor Day weekend
Iceland – otherworldly landscapes
For something completely different, pop Iceland on your list of potential Labor Day getaways. That long weekend in early September is a great time to explore Iceland’s dramatic beauty before the harsher winter months set in. On this remote island you’ll explore otherworldly terrain including volcanic craters, glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and cascading waterfalls.
Trafalgar’s carefully curated Iceland trip carves a journey through the country’s most captivating natural wonders. That includes the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and the South Coast. Stand in awe at the cascading Gullfoss waterfall, and marvel at the geothermal wonders of Geysir geothermal area. Explore the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and site of the world’s oldest existing parliament.
TAKE A TRIP: Iceland including the Blue Lagoon
Netherlands – canals and cheese
The Netherlands is a small country, making it the perfect place to explore on an extended Labor Day weekend. Picture yourself cruising along the canals of Amsterdam, admiring the colorful facades that line the waterways. While here dive into the legacy of Vincent van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum too! But Trafalgar’s Best of Holland tour goes beyond the capital. You’ll also explore charming towns like Delft, famous for its blue pottery, and Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its windmills.
EXPLORE: Best of Holland
Are you planning to turn your Labor Day long weekend into one of the these fun getaways? Let us know in the comments…