Cruises and international trips on the rise; Florida tops list of domestic destinations
OKLAHOMA CITY – If there’s one place that defines Spring Break, it’s Florida! AAA Travel booking data shows the Sunshine State tops the list of Spring Break destinations this year. Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, family-friendly attractions, and cruise ports make Florida a logical choice for travelers seeking fun in the sun.
“Many Spring Break travelers are heading to the Sunshine State, with Orlando topping the list this year,” said Rylie Fletcher, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma. “Cruise vacations are also quite popular among those traveling for Spring Break, as college students and families, alike seek out sun and fun, and an escape from the winter blahs.”
Cruising is off to a splashy start in 2024 with sold-out ships and inaugural sailings, and that strong 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, but prices may be higher and cabin choices limited. If you miss the boat for Spring Break, AAA Travel suggests booking a summer cruise now before they sell out, especially if you’re eyeing 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.
“We are also seeing an increase in AAA members booking tours for their international Spring Break vacations,” said Fletcher. “Guided tours provide travelers with convenience, expertise, and peace of mind.”
Good to Know: Planning ahead is key when traveling internationally, and that includes reserving airport parking well in advance. For peace of mind during your trip, The Parking Spot provides a well-lit, fenced-in parking area with 24-hour staff on premises. As a bonus, select locations offer EV charging and car washes, so you return home to a clean car! The earlier you reserve at The Parking Spot, the more you save, and AAA members receive a discount.
If you plan to drive at your destination, don’t forget to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. An IDP is a document that translate 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.
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