As spring break season begins, travelers are packing their bags for warm climates and European adventures. AAA Travel booking data for March and April reveals the top destinations in the U.S. and abroad.
Flocking to Florida
Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa are among the top 10 most popular domestic spring break destinations. Florida dominates at this time of year as travelers seek a reliably warm climate to spend time at the beach or enjoy theme parks.
Cruising the Caribbean
Ocean cruising continues to set records this year as AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will take cruise vacations in 2026. Many families book cruises over spring break to get the most out of the week, and Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas are most popular.
European Holiday
Spring break in Europe appeals to families looking for history and entertainment. Top international destinations include Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London and Barcelona.
| Top 2026 Spring Break Destinations | |
| Domestic | Caribbean/International |
| Orlando | Rome, Italy |
| Fort Lauderdale | Paris, France |
| Miami | Cancun, Mexico |
| Los Angeles/Anaheim | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Tampa | London, England |
| Honolulu | Barcelona, Spain |
| Las Vegas | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic |
| New York City | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Atlanta | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Chicago | Dublin, Ireland |
Driving Abroad?
Good news for travelers planning to drive abroad: You can now apply online for an International Driving Permit (IDP). AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. While you can still apply in person at a AAA branch, you now have the option to use your smartphone to take a digital photo and complete the application online. Many countries require IDPs to rent a car and drive legally.
Best Practices for International Travel
Before departing for your spring break trip, check the CDC and state department websites for the latest guidance and any advisories in place for your destination. AAA recommends enrolling in the state department’s STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program), which allows the U.S. to know where you’re going and send you security updates during your stay. During your trip, always remain vigilant and monitor updates from local media and the U.S. Embassy.
Consider obtaining travel insurance before an international trip but work with a trusted travel advisor who can walk you through the policy details and answer questions about what is and isn’t included in case of an emergency. Acts of war are generally excluded from most travel insurance policies. This is why speaking with a travel agent is crucial before purchasing a plan.
Before heading to the airport, check the status of your flight. Give yourself plenty of time to go through security in case of delays at TSA checkpoints. When returning to the U.S., consider downloading the Mobile Passport Control app which is free to use and helps expedite the customs process at most major U.S. airports.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
