Spring Break season spans several weeks, starting in March and ending mid-April. AAA booking data shows most travelers are looking for warm weather with the Sunshine State topping the list of U.S. destinations. Four Florida cities are on the top 10 domestic list: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa.
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| Top U.S. Spring Break Destinations |
| Spring Break Crusing 2025 |
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. The Caribbean island of Aruba is another top Spring Break destination, as well as Tokyo, Japan.
Flying to Spring Break destinations is more expensive this year compared to 2024. According to AAA booking data, the average roundtrip 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.
Cruising is at an all-time high. AAA’s cruise forecast projects 19 million Americans are going on ocean cruises this year, marking the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume. The most popular domestic Spring Break cruises leave from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami – which are the three busiest cruise ports in the world! Cruise demand is up, and so is the cost: domestic cruises this Spring Break season are 27% more expensive compared to last year. International cruises are 3% more expensive. Ships cruising the Persian Gulf, Mexican Riviera, and European rivers like the Danube and Rhine top the list of international cruise destinations.
Cruising from Texas
Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise port in North America and eighth busiest in the world. As the only cruise home port in Texas, it serves much of the Central U.S. and beyond. In 2024 a total of 3.4 million passengers moved through Galveston’s three cruse terminals which was a new record in the port’s 25-year history as a home port. More than 380 cruise ships sailed from Galveston in 2024, which was another record for the port.
In 2025, the Port of Galveston forecasts more than 400 sailings and almost 1.8 million passengers (3.6 million embarkations and debarkations).
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.