European capitals dominate international list; Tokyo makes the Top 10
WICHITA, Kan. – Feb. 24, 2025 – A long cold winter has many people longing for a place with sun, sand and palm trees, or at least a temporary change of scenery with spring on the horizon. For many, Spring Break offers the perfect first opportunity for a getaway in the new year.
Top U.S. Destinations
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 are on the top 10 domestic list: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa.
“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.”
Most Popular International Destinations
On the international list, eight of the top 10 cities are in Europe. Rome is number one, followed by London and Paris. Two Spanish cities are also on the list: Barcelona and Madrid. The Caribbean island of Aruba is another top Spring Break destination, as well as Tokyo, Japan. “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.
“And for those going on European vacations,” Barber said, “keep in mind new travel requirements taking effect this year, especially if London is on your Spring Break itinerary.”
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required to enter or transit through all parts of the United Kingdom — except transiting airside without going through border control, according to a January update by the government. An ETA allows everything from sightseeing in the country to traveling the underground Channel Tunnel (popularly known as the Chunnel) or taking a connecting flight requiring customs and border control. That mainly affects Heathrow and Manchester, which feature transit facilities.
Travel by Air
Flying to Spring Break destinations is more expensive this year compared to 2024. According to AAA booking data, the average roundtrip ticket this Spring Break season is $820 for domestic cities, up 7% from last year, and $1,440 for international cities, up 2% from last year. Hotel stays in the U.S. are 8% more expensive, averaging $660, while international hotel stays are 4% cheaper this Spring Break season, averaging $740. 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% cheaper this Spring Break season, with the average booking costing around $615.
Travel by Sea/River
Cruising is at an all-time high. AAA’s cruise forecast projects 19 million Americans are going on ocean cruises this year, marking the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume. The most popular domestic Spring Break cruises leave from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami – which are the three busiest cruise ports in the world! Cruise demand is up, and so is the cost: domestic cruises this Spring Break season are 27% more expensive compared to year. International cruises are 3% more expensive. Ships cruising the Persian Gulf, Mexican Riviera, and European rivers like the Danube and Rhine top the list of international cruise destinations.
REAL ID deadline approaching
Following Spring Break season, travelers should be aware of this date: May 7, 2025. That’s when adults traveling within the U.S. must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Travelers can take a quiz on the REAL ID federal government website to find out if their current identification is compliant.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and almost 350,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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