Spring break is rapidly approaching and according to AAA Travel booking data, Florida tops the list of destinations this year. The Sunshine State’s Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, family-friendly attractions, and cruise ports make Florida a logical choice for travelers seeking fun in the sun.
"The sunny Florida beaches are always a top Spring Break choice, along with Orlando and the popular cruise ports of Fort Lauderdale and Miami,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “By the time spring arrives, families are ready to head to warmer destinations where they can enjoy time together by the pool or on the beach, and many are choosing to finally take that long-awaited cruise adventure.”
Cruising is off to a strong start in 2024 with sold-out ships and inaugural sailings, and that robust demand is evident in Spring Break bookings. AAA Travel data shows a 28% increase in cruise bookings for March and April compared to last year, and a 60% percent increase for cruises departing from South Florida.
Good to Know: More travelers are booking cruises farther in advance, which is one of AAA Travel’s cruising trends this year. Many Spring Break cruises have been sold-out for months. Last-minute bookings are possible, options may be limited. AAA Travel suggests booking a summer cruise now before they sell out, especially if looking at popular destinations like Alaska.
AAA Trip Canvas Tips: For families traveling with teens, check out the best cruise lines for teenagers.
- Best for Onboard Activities: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
- Best for Teen Clubs: CARNIVAL
- Best for Families with Kids of Different Ages: DISNEY CRUISE LINE
- Best for Recreational Tournaments: PRINCESS CRUISES
- Best for Entertainment Options: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
- Best For Family Accommodations: CELEBRITY CRUISES
International Spring Break trips are also on the rise compared to last year. AAA data for March and April shows international flight bookings are up 20% and hotel bookings are up 37%. European cities top the list of most popular destinations: London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, and Amsterdam. More AAA members are also booking tours for their international Spring Break vacations as they look for the convenience, expertise, and peace of mind that guided travel brings.
Good to Know: Planning is key when traveling internationally, and that includes reserving airport parking well in advance. For peace of mind, The Parking Spot provides a well-lit, fenced-in parking area with 24-hour staff on premises. Lower parking rates may be available when booking early and AAA members receive a discount.
If planning to drive abroad, don’t forget to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) ahead of time. An IDP is a document that translates a valid U.S. driver’s license into several different languages. Most countries highly recommend an IDP and several countries require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.
AAA Trip Canvas Tips: For travelers who want to visit popular European cities but can’t decide on which one, check out these tours that cover multiple destinations.
- Treasures of Europe
- London and Paris
- Italian Vistas
- Netherlands, Belgium, and France
- Best of Ireland and Scotland
Browse more cruises and find travel inspiration on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel-planning tool.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 70 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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