Spring Break season, spanning from March to mid-April, sees many travelers seeking warmer climates, with Florida being a top choice according to AAA booking data. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are among the top ten domestic destinations.
“For families who live in colder climates, Spring Break can’t come soon enough!” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Florida is always a favorite this time of year because of its beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports. Many travelers are also wanting to sightsee in iconic American cities like New York and Chicago. And for those going on European vacations, keep in mind new travel requirements taking effect this year, especially if London is on your Spring Break itinerary.”
Internationally, Europe dominates the list with Rome at the top followed by London and Paris. Barcelona and Madrid are also featured along with Aruba and Tokyo. “Travel to Asia, particularly Japan, has been booming the past year, with more Americans interested in exploring all that Asian countries have to offer,” added Barber.
Travel costs have increased this year compared to 2024. Domestic roundtrip tickets average $820 (up 7%), while international tickets average $1,440 (up 2%). U.S. hotel stays cost about $660 (up 8%), whereas international stays are slightly cheaper at $740 (down 4%). Car rentals remain stable domestically but are 5% cheaper internationally.
Cruising remains popular with AAA projecting 19 million Americans taking ocean cruises this year. The busiest ports include Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami. Cruise costs have risen; domestic cruises are up by 27%, while international ones have increased by 3%. Popular routes include the Persian Gulf and European rivers like the Danube and Rhine.
After Spring Break ends, travelers should note that starting May 7, 2025, adults flying within the U.S. must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification for domestic flights and access to certain federal facilities.