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Last-Minute Labor Day Travel Ideas

By Geoff Nudelman August 29, 2017

Made in America Fest — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Labor Day is one of those holidays that tend to creep up on us pretty quickly. Although it marks the unofficial end of summer, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a great weekend vacation before the fall routine sets in.

We’ve scoured event listings across the country and put together five of our favorite ideas for last-minute Labor Day travel (hotel ideas included).

Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park

Rebirth Brass Band Below View — Rebirth Brass Band/Chicago Jazz Festival Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Midwest’s biggest jazz event celebrates its 39^th edition this year with special tribute sets honoring Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Ella Fitzgerald. The Rebirth Jazz Band closes out the fest Sunday night with an excellent mix of reggae, rap, and funk. It’s the perfect time to explore the modern amphitheatre in Millennium Park and, of course, get your picture in front of “The Bean.” For more inspiration, check out our Chicago travel guide here.

Hotel: Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop – Just a few blocks from the Park and free breakfast to refuel.

Made in America Fest – Philadelphia

Made in America Fest — Made in America Fest/Facebook Image used with permission by copyright holder

Budweiser’s biggest indie/hipster festival has established itself as a marquee music event in spite of all of the corporate underwriting. This year, the festival went a bit more mainstream with J. Cole and The Chainsmokers as headliners. The bill is bottom-heavy though with sets from Run the Jewels, Little Dragon and Pusha T to round things out. A complete guide to Philly can be found here.

Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Palomar – A classic choice with free bikes and a hosted wine hour each night.

626 Night Market – Los Angeles

626 Night Market — DJ Ivory performs at 626 Night Market in 2015. Photo by Daniel Kim Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are few better places to experience Asian culture in American than Southern California. The 626 Night Market has built a reputation as the biggest and best Asian night market in the country with a number of vendors, performances and of course, food hawkers. Here, you’ll find everything from okonomayaki to fried octopus. The Labor Day weekend edition takes place at Santa Anita Park, meaning you can explore the Chinese heritage of the San Gabriel Valley before hopping over to the market.

Hotel: JW Marriott LA Live – A stunning property within walking distance of the downtown core.

Bumbershoot – Seattle

Bumbershoot: the Party of the Summer

Bumbershoot is a Pacific Northwest music tradition. Bands, comedians and art installations take over Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle, while thousands enjoy the splendors. Lorde, Odesza and Flume headline this year with appearances from Margaret Cho and Todd Barry on the comedy stage too. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see Gucci Mane and the rest of Seattle.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Max – An artsy hotel complete with Sub Pop music, free craft beer and a bevy of local spirits, what’s not to like?

Southern Decadence – New Orleans

Southern Decadence — Image used with permission by copyright holder

New Orleans’ party vibe is taken to another level when their annual LGBT celebration takes over The Big Easy. Southern Decadence is centered in the French Quarter with plenty of DJs and outdoor concerts to keep things moving all weekend. Over its 46-year history, it has turned into one of the pre-eminent LGBT celebrations in the country, with more than 250,000 attendees (!) expected this year. Don’t miss the trademark parade through the Quarter.

Hotel Recommendation: Old No. 77 Hotel + Chandlery – Soak in southern flavor with wide, comfortable rooms, a great lobby restaurant and a bit of peace just outside of the French Quarter, while being steps away from the action. Also, Mother’s Restaurant down the street is a can’t-miss southern treat.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…

Food & Drink

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The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Outdoors

Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?

A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Travel

8 helpful tips for taking a red-eye flight

Say goodbye to jet lag

Night Flight

Red-eye flights, named for their tendency to depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, offer a wide range of benefits for travelers looking to save money and optimize their time. From the luxury of saving daylight hours to the chance for lower rates, red-eyes are an appealing option for many. These flights often feature less congestion at airports and shorter security lines, leading to a more relaxed overall travel experience.

Despite their advantages, red-eye flights can also cause issues such as disrupted sleep patterns, cramped quarters, and fatigue upon arrival. However, with the right strategies and a little bit of preparation, you can turn your red-eye experience into a smooth and stress-free adventure. These are just a few red-eye flight tips to consider.
1. Match your flight to your sleep habits