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AAA Unveils Top 2025 Spring Break Destinations with a Focus on Florida and Europe – Image Credit Unsplash+
According to AAA, Florida and Europe top the list of preferred Spring Break destinations for 2025. However, travelers should expect more expensive flights and accommodations than the previous year.
AAA’s recent report reveals the top U.S. Spring Break destinations for 2025. Warm-weather locations, particularly in Florida, are the most sought-after by travelers. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa, all in Florida, make the top 10 domestic list.
AAA Vice President of Travel, Stacey Barber, emphasizes that Florida’s appeal stems from its attractive beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports. Other popular domestic locations include major cities like New York and Chicago, which are known for their iconic sightseeing opportunities.
On the international front, eight of the top 10 city destinations are in Europe. Rome leads the pack, followed closely by London and Paris. Spain also features prominently with Barcelona and Madrid ranking highly. Additionally, the Caribbean island of Aruba and Tokyo, Japan, have been identified as favored Spring Break destinations.
However, the report also indicates an increase in travel costs. The average roundtrip ticket for Spring Break 2025 is $820 for domestic cities, a 7% increase from 2024, and $1,440 for international cities, a 2% rise from the previous year. Accommodation costs in the U.S. have also surged by 8%, averaging $660, while international hotel stays have seen a slight drop of 4%, averaging $740. Car rentals, both domestic and international, remain relatively the same as last year, with a minor 5% decrease in international rentals.
Cruise vacations have also grown in popularity, with an estimated 19 million Americans expected to embark on ocean cruises this year. Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami are the top departure points for domestic Spring Break cruises, while ships cruising the Persian Gulf, Mexican Riviera, and European rivers such as the Danube and Rhine are the most popular international options. However, costs have risen substantially, with domestic cruises witnessing a 27% price hike.
Finally, the report advises travelers to be aware of the REAL ID requirement taking effect from May 7, 2025, for domestic flights and access to certain federal facilities within the U.S. This identification requirement can be checked via a quiz on the REAL ID federal government website.
