Summer’s not quite over yet but it’s certainly beginning to draw to a close, and with fall just around the corner many are starting to turn their thoughts toward where they want to spend Labor Day in 2015. With so many options available it can be hard to choose just one spot - or more likely, you’ll just tend to pick the same place you always go. But where’s the fun in that?
The data analysts at Expedia just released a bunch of travel statistics centered on Labor Day, and we’ve sifted through it to bring you a handful of the top U.S. destinations for Labor Day holidaymakers. Discover the destinations that have excited America and what exactly makes them so attractive.
Image: Julian Paefgen on Unsplash
Las Vegas, Nevada
More entertainment phenomenon than city, Las Vegas needs very little introduction. For those who are looking to let loose and indulge in an unbeatable party atmosphere, this is without a doubt the place to go. Casinos may have built this town from the ground up, but it’s about so much more than gambling now. The shows here offer spectacle second to none, with acts like Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield and The Lion King Musical drawing a multitude of visitors every year. Choose Las Vegas if you want to let off steam and go a little crazy. Just remember: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Orlando, Florida
For the family vacation of a lifetime, it’s hard to go past Orlando. Unlike most of Florida’s big cities, Orlando is set back from the coast a little bit but you won’t be complaining about the lack of beaches when you’re throwing yourself into the euphoric world of Orlando’s theme parks. This is arguably the theme park capital of the world, boasting 5 of the world’s top 10 most visited theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Let your inner child go wild or give your kids the holiday they’ve always dreamed of - Orlando really is one of the happiest places on Earth.
Chicago, Illinois
This is a city that’s so massive, its metropolitan area is jokingly referred to as ‘Chicagoland’, and with that size comes a plethora of exciting tastes, sights, sounds and experiences. Chicago is famed for its towering skyscrapers, especially the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) a 108 story behemoth built in the 70’s that is still the second tallest building in the United States. But Chicago is about far more than just gargantuan skyscrapers. Its restaurants are also internationally renowned, ranging from Michelin starred masterworks to low-key local favorites. Whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for, Chicago is big enough to provide you with it.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels is known for being the place where showbiz dreams are born and die, but for visitors to the city, Hollywood is really just a footnote to what Los Angeles has to offer. No description of L.A. as a holiday destination would be complete without mentioning Disneyland, the theme park that launched a thousand theme parks. Despite having been built in 1955, it still hasn’t lost its original magic and to this day it holds a special, Mecca-like place in the hearts of children worldwide. If Walt Disney’s masterpiece really isn’t your kind of thing, the sands of Santa Monica and Venice Beach await. Los Angeles is also rich with cultural offerings, boasting world-class galleries, theatres and museums.
San Francisco
There really is no place quite like San Francisco. There’s something about the city that makes it feel fresh and new, no matter how many times you’ve visited. Characterized by steep streets, fantastic seafood and a free-thinking, cutting edge community, Frisco is the place to be if you want to recharge your motivation and creativity in the company of folks who are constantly on the cusp of something new. Coming here for the food alone would be a worthwhile trip, with Ghirardelli chocolate and San Fran sourdough-bowl gumbo world famous for their mouth watering excellence.
Seattle
Seattle first came to world’s attention as the center of the 90’s grunge revolution with bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden going on to have a massive influence on music to this day. Today however, the city is more well known as a haven for eco-conscious 30-somethings who pride themselves on choosing locally made, niche, artisanal foods and products and reducing their carbon footprint with worm farm compost and self-installed solar panels. Food and wine tours are also a big pull for visitors travelling to Seattle in their car rentals, with gourmands from all over the country coming to the area to indulge both palate and stomach.
Whichever city you choose to holiday in, just remember that while many leave their holiday preparations till the last minute, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying your vacation the way you really want to if you book things like your car rental now. That way, all you’ll have left to worry about is what amazing thing you’re going to go see first!
Feature image: Nicolas Raymond, Flickr Creative Commons
