Spring Break 2025 is just around the corner, and travelers are setting their sights on sun-soaked destinations and cultural hotspots in the U.S. and abroad. According to AAA booking data, warm-weather escapes continue to dominate with Florida topping the list of domestic getaways. Internationally, European cities and ocean cruises are experiencing record demand, making this one of the busiest Spring Break seasons yet.
The Sunshine State Leads the Trend
Spring Break spans several weeks from early March through mid-April, and Florida remains the top choice for U.S. travelers seeking sunshine and adventure. Four Florida cities—Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa—rank among the top 10 domestic destinations.
“For families who live in colder climates, Spring Break can’t come soon enough!” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press statement. “Florida is always a favorite this time of year because of its beaches, theme parks and cruise ports. Many travelers are also eager to explore iconic U.S. cities like New York and Chicago.”
Europe and Asia
International travel is also surging. Eight of the top 10 Spring Break destinations are located in Europe. Rome leads the pack, followed by London and Paris. Spain also stands out, with Barcelona and Madrid making the list. Aruba remains a favorite for those seeking a Caribbean escape, while Tokyo, Japan, has seen a notable rise in popularity.
“Travel to Asia, particularly Japan, has been booming the past year, with more Americans interested in exploring all that Asian countries have to offer,” Barber added.
Spring Break Costs Rise in 2025
Travelers can expect to pay more for their Spring Break getaways this year.
- Flights: The average roundtrip airfare for domestic destinations is $820 (up 7% from last year), while international flights average $1,440 (up 2%).
- Hotels: U.S. hotel rates have increased by 8%, averaging $660 per stay, whereas international hotel stays are down 4%, averaging $740.
- Car Rentals: Domestic rental car costs remain steady at $645, while international rentals have dropped by 5%, averaging $615.
Cruising Hits an All-Time High
Ocean cruises continue to surge in popularity. AAA is projecting a record 19 million Americans setting sail in 2025.
Florida’s cruise ports in Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Miami—three of the busiest in the world—are leading the charge. However, high demand means higher prices: domestic cruises this Spring Break season are up 27% from last year, while international cruises have increased by 3%.
For those looking beyond the Caribbean, top international cruise destinations include the Persian Gulf, the Mexican Riviera and European river cruises along the Danube and Rhine.
REAL ID Deadline Approaching
As travelers plan their post-Spring Break getaways, a critical deadline is approaching this summer. Starting May 7, 2025, all adults flying within the U.S. must have a REAL ID or another compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. Travelers can check their status by taking a quiz on the official REAL ID government website.
