With winter showing no signs of slowing down, many Americans are dreaming of warmer weather. AAA bookings show that Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and California are among the top U.S. destinations this spring break season, which begins in March and ends mid-April.
“For many families who live in colder climates, spring break can’t come soon enough,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Florida is always a favorite this time of year because of its beaches, theme parks and cruise ports. For vacationers from the Northeast, Aruba, Punta Cana and Turks and Caicos are all popular international spring break destinations for warmth, fun and relaxation.”
In addition to warmer climates, AAA bookings show several European cities, including Rome, London, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid, among the top spring break destinations this year. With travel to Asia booming over the past year, Tokyo also makes the top 10 list of international spring break destinations.
| AAA’s Top Spring Break Destinations | |
| Domestic | International |
| Orlando, Florida | Rome, Italy |
| Fort Lauderdale, Florida | London, England |
| Atlanta, Georgia | Paris, France |
| Miami, Florida | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| New York, New York | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Honolulu, Hawaii | Dublin, Ireland |
| Los Angeles/Anaheim, California | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Tampa, Florida | Barcelona, Spain |
| Chicago, Illinois | Tokyo, Japan |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | Madrid, Spain |
Travel Costs
Flying to spring break destinations is more expensive this year compared to 2024. The average round-trip ticket is up 7% for domestic cities and up 2% for international cities, according to AAA booking data.
Hotel stays in the U.S. are 8% more expensive this spring break season, while international hotel stays are 4% cheaper.
The cost to rent a car domestically is about the same as last year, while international car rentals are 5% cheaper this spring break season.
The cost to cruise is up, too: Domestic cruises this spring break season are 27% more expensive compared to last year. International cruises are 3% more expensive. Still, AAA’s inaugural cruise forecast projects 19 million Americans will embark on ocean cruises this year, marking the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume.
New International and Domestic Travel Requirements
For those looking to travel to the United Kingdom and Europe, you’ll need more than just your passport. Travelers must fill out an online application before entry under new travel requirements taking effect this year.
Travelers should also be aware that the REAL ID deadline is quickly approaching. As of May 7, 2025, adults traveling within the U.S. must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. To find out if your current identification is compliant, visit the federal government’s REAL ID website.
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