Florida Dominates U.S. Spring Break Travel Plans as Costs Rise

Florida is expected to capture four of the top 10 U.S. spring break destinations as travelers seek warmer weather, while domestic airfares jumped 7% from last year, according to a new analysis.

For the spring break season, which spans several weeks from March until mid-April, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa have made the list of the top 10 domestic destinations. That's according to an analysis by AAA Travel, the agency arm of the motor club, formerly known as the American Automobile Association. 

"Florida is always a favorite this time of year because of its beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports," said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.

Based on what travelers paid when booking their flights through AAA Travel, here are the top domestic spring break destinations so far: 

• Orlando, FL
• Ft Lauderdale, FL
• Atlanta, GA
• Miami, FL
• New York City, NY
• Honolulu, HI
• Anaheim, LA/CA
• Tampa, FL
• Chicago, IL
• Charlotte, NC 

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. 

New Rules for Visiting the UK and Europe

Those going on European vacations should keep in mind new travel requirements taking effect this year, “especially if London is on your spring break itinerary,” Barber said.

Barber was referencing the new UK ETA, a travel authorization system for the United Kingdom, that began in January 2025. 

The entry permit—which costs £10, or about $12—became mandatory for non-European travelers on January 8. 

Travelers must obtain the new ETA online. Officials recommend that travelers apply at least three days in advance to ensure approval on time for travel.

Separately, a new system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is slated to come into effect elsewhere in Europe later this year. It will require most non-European travelers to complete an online application before entry. 

Once implemented, visitors to European countries must have a passport valid for over three months but not older than ten years, an email address, and pay a small fee—around 7 euros or slightly more than $7. The change is expected to take effect in mid-2025.

Outside of European destinations, top international spring break destinations included Caribbean island of Aruba and Tokyo, Japan.

“Travel to Asia, particularly Japan, has been booming the past year, with more Americans interested in exploring all Asian countries have to offer,” Barber said.

According to AAA Travel bookings, flying to spring break destinations is more expensive this year than in 2024.

The data showed the average round trip 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. 

Meanwhile, cruise ship demand is at an all-time high. AAA Travel projects that 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises this year, marking the third year of record cruise passenger volume.

The most popular domestic spring break cruises leave from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami, the three busiest cruise ports in the world.

But while cruise demand is up, so is the cost. AAA data showed that domestic cruises this spring break season are 27% more expensive than last year, and international cruises are 3% more expensive.