Spring Break Escapes: Record Heat and Travel Trends for 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 19, 2025) – As the Spring Break season approaches, travelers are eager for warm weather and exciting destinations, with four Florida cities ranking among the top ten spots for domestic travel this year.
Based on data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are leading the list of favored U.S. destinations. “For families who live in colder climates, Spring Break can’t come soon enough!” said Stacey Barber, AAA Travel’s Vice President. “Florida is always a favorite this time of year because of its beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports.”
Apart from Florida, travelers are also eyeing iconic American cities such as New York and Chicago. For those planning European adventures, Barber noted new travel regulations taking effect this year, which could impact itineraries, particularly for trips to London.
Looking at international travel, AAA’s data reveals that eight out of the top ten cities are in Europe, with Rome leading the pack, followed by London and Paris. Notably, Barcelona and Madrid in Spain are also on the list, along with the 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 that Asian countries have to offer,” added Barber.
Costs for travel this Spring Break season have increased compared to last year. The average round-trip airfare for domestic flights has risen to $820, a 7% increase from 2024, while international flights average $1,440, up 2%. Hotel accommodations in the U.S. have also seen a rise of 8%, averaging $660, although international hotel stays are 4% cheaper at $740.
Car rental prices remain stable domestically, around $645, while international rentals are comparatively less expensive, averaging around $615—5% cheaper than last year.
Cruising continues to be a preferred holiday option, with AAA projecting that 19 million Americans will embark on ocean cruises this year, marking the third consecutive year of record passenger volume. The busiest U.S. cruise ports of Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami are popular among Spring Break cruisers. However, the cost for domestic cruises has increased by 27% compared to last year, while international cruise prices are up by 3%.
Travelers should note an important date post-Spring Break: May 7, 2025, is when adults must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Individuals can verify their ID compliance through the REAL ID federal government website.
Founded in 1902, AAA has evolved into one of North America’s largest membership organizations, initially established by automotive enthusiasts to advocate for better roads. Today, AAA offers a wide range of services, including roadside assistance, travel planning, and financial services for over 65 million members in North America.
To learn more about AAA offerings or to become a member, visit AAA.com.
