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Priceline says this city is the must-visit spot for Labor Day 2025

Las Vegas took the top spot

By Amanda Teague Aug 22, 2025 4:00 AM

Las Vegas Grand Prix street circuit race track in use by the public during the daytime from the 60th floor of Wynn Las Vegas. — Bruce Brown / The Manual

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner, and Priceline has revealed where travelers are heading to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. According to the company’s latest booking data shared with The Manual, Las Vegas, Nevada tops the list as the most popular domestic destination for 2025.

With easy direct flights from cities across the country, Vegas makes for a quick and simple weekend escape. Travelers can expect a packed lineup of concerts, pool parties, high-energy shows, and special holiday events, cementing its reputation as the ultimate party destination.

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Coming in second is Chicago, where visitors can enjoy late-summer vibes along Lake Michigan, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or explore the city’s world-class dining scene.

Rounding out the top three is Orlando, Florida, a long-time favorite among families thanks to its theme parks and year-round sunshine.

The most popular international destinations

If you’re planning to spend Labor Day Weekend abroad, you won’t need to travel too far for the top pick. Niagara Falls, Canada, takes the number one spot on Priceline’s list, giving travelers the chance to cross the border while still staying close to home. Visitors can enjoy the area’s casinos, restaurants, and, of course, the amazing views of the falls.

Other international favorites are a mix of tropical escapes and long-standing favorites. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, remains a go-to for its all-inclusive resorts and golden beaches, while Tokyo, Japan, attracts travelers eager to immerse themselves in culture and tradition. Rounding out the top five are Montreal, Canada, and London, England.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

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Destinations

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.

Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.

5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way

Wood, Hardwood, Accessories

Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.