SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 26, 2025 – Spring Break season is fast approaching, and AAA booking data reveals a clear trend: travelers are seeking warm-weather getaways. With the Sunshine State leading the charge, Florida cities are dominating the top domestic destinations, while European capitals are the favored international locales.
Domestic Travel Trends: Florida's Appeal
AAA booking data shows most travelers are looking for warm weather with the Sunshine State topping the list of U.S. destinations. Four Florida cities—Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa—have secured spots within the top 10 domestic list. This surge in Florida travel highlights the enduring appeal of its beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports.
“For families who live in colder climates, Spring Break can’t come soon enough,” said Stacey Barber, vice president, 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.”
Beyond Florida, iconic American cities like New York and Chicago are also drawing significant interest, showcasing a desire for diverse travel experiences.
International Travel: European Destinations Reign Supreme
On the international list, eight of the top 10 cities are in Europe. Rome claims the top spot, followed by London and Paris. Spanish cities Barcelona and Madrid also feature prominently, along with Amsterdam and Lisbon. The Caribbean island of Aruba and Tokyo, Japan, round out the top international destinations.
“Travel to Asia, particularly Japan, has been booming the past year, with more Americans interested in exploring all that Asian countries have to offer,” said Barber.
Travel Costs: A Look at the Numbers
Flying to Spring Break destinations is more expensive this year compared to 2024. The average roundtrip ticket for domestic cities is $820, a 7 percent increase. For international cities, the average is $1,440, up 2 percent.
Hotel stays in the United States are also pricier, averaging $660, an 8 percent increase. However, international hotel stays are slightly cheaper, averaging $740, down 4 percent.
The cost to rent a car domestically is about the same as last year, with rental car bookings averaging about $645. International car rentals are 5 percent cheaper, with the average booking costing around $615. AAA’s car rental partner Hertz reports that the top destinations for spring travel car rentals are predominantly in Florida (Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers), along with Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Oahu, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Cruising: Record Passenger Volume
Cruising is at an all-time high. AAA’s cruise forecast projects 19 million U.S. travelers will embark on ocean cruises this year, marking a third consecutive year of record passenger volume. The most popular domestic Spring Break cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami, the world’s three busiest cruise ports.
Cruise demand is up, and so is the cost: domestic cruises this Spring Break season are 27 percent more expensive compared to last year. International cruises are 3 percent more expensive. Popular international cruise destinations include the Persian Gulf, Mexican Riviera, and European rivers like the Danube and Rhine.
Top Spring Break Destinations:
Top Domestic Spring Break Destinations
- Orlando, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Miami, Florida
- New York, New York
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
- Tampa, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Charlotte, North Carolina
Top International Spring Break Destinations
- Oranjestad, Aruba
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Dublin, Ireland
- London, England
- Paris, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rome, Italy
- Tokyo, Japan
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