Out to Sea and Overseas: AAA Travel’s Spring Break Trends
Cruises and international trips on the rise; Florida tops list of domestic destinations. AAA offers tips on how to protect your home and stay safe while you’re traveling.
WICHITA, Kan. – Feb. 27, 2024 – 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.
“Orlando is the top choice for Spring Break travelers, while Fort Lauderdale and Miami are the two most popular domestic cruise ports,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Many travelers are looking for warm weather, pools and beaches, and outdoor adventures this time of year, and cruise vacations check all those boxes.”
Cruising is off to a fast 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: Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel-planning tool provides inspiration and options to meet every adventure. For traveling families, check out the best cruise lines for teenagers.
Best For Family Accommodations: CELEBRITY CRUISES
Best for Families with Kids of Different Ages: DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Best for Teen Clubs: CARNIVAL
Best for Onboard Activities: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Best for Recreational Tournaments: PRINCESS CRUISES
Best for Entertainment Options: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Going Global
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.
According to AAA Travel data, more travelers are also booking guided tours for their international Spring Break vacations. They want the convenience, expertise, and peace of mind that guided travel brings.
Good to Know:
If you plan to drive at your overseas destination, don’t forget to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. 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
Staying Safe While You’re Traveling
While you’re experiencing the fun and relaxation of a Spring Break trip, it’s important to consider safety as you travel and safeguard your home and possessions until you return.
Tips to protect your home while you’re away
Make your home look inhabited. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop mail delivery, and arrange for your lawn to be mowed.
Invest in an effective burglar alarm that, when triggered, alerts the police and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent about possible alarm system discounts.
Ask a dependable neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Although vacations are exciting, try not to post about them on social media until you return; someone may see your posts and target your home while you’re away.
Create a home inventory. In the event that you do need to file a claim, preparing a home inventory of your possessions beforehand will make the process easier.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need in case you experience theft or damage to your property.
Tips to keep yourself and belongings safe on your trip
Travel is a personal choice. To ensure safety and security, AAA encourages researching destinations, particularly when traveling outside the country.
Check the U.S. State Department advisory level for the specific region where you’ll be traveling.
Enroll in the State Department’s STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) before departing, which allows the U.S. to know where you’re going and send you security updates.
Book your trip through well-known reputable travel providers and work with a travel agent who can tailor the best trip for you, book all the details and handle rescheduling in case of delays or cancellations.
Share your itinerary with family or friends.
Remain vigilant at all times during your trip.
Safeguard your hotel room, valuables and important travel documents. Use in-room or hotel safes or lock boxes if available.
Purchase travel insurance to cover trip interruptions or medical emergencies.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
