At Sea and Abroad: Spring Break Trends from AAA Travel
Cruises and international travel on the rise; Florida tops the list of domestic destinations. AAA offers tips on how to protect your home and stay safe while you travel.
WICHITA, Kan. – February 27, 2024 – If there's one place that defines spring break, it's Florida. Booking data from AAA Travel shows the Sunshine State tops the list of Spring Break destinations this year. Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches, family attractions and cruise ports make Florida a logical choice for travelers looking for 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, swimming pools, beaches and outdoor adventures this time of year, and cruise vacations check all of those boxes.”
Cruises are off to a fast start in 2024 with sold-out ships and inaugural sailings, and this strong demand is evident in spring break bookings. Data from AAA Travel shows a 28% increase in cruise bookings for March and April compared to last year, and a 60% increase for cruises departing from South Florida.
Good to know:
More and more travelers are booking cruises further in advance, which is one of AAA Travel's cruise options. tendencies This year. Many Spring Break cruises have been sold out for months. Last minute bookings are possible, but prices may be higher and the choice of cabins 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 considering popular destinations like Alaska.
AAA Travel Canvas Tips: Travel canvas, AAA's free travel planning tool provides inspiration and options to tackle every adventure. For families traveling, check out the best cruise lines for teens.
Ideal for family accommodation: CELEBRITY CRUISES
Ideal for families with children of different ages: DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Best for Teen Clubs: CARNIVAL
Ideal for on-board activities: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Ideal for recreational tournaments: PRINCESS CRUISES
Best for Entertainment Options: HOLLANDAMERICA LINE
Go global
International spring break travel is also up compared to last year. AAA data for March and April shows international flight bookings increased by 20% and hotel bookings by 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 reservation of guided tours for their international Spring Break vacation. They want the convenience, expertise and peace of mind that guided travel brings.
Good to know:
If you plan to drive to your destination abroad, remember to obtain a 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 strongly recommend an IDP and several countries require it. AAA is the only entity in the United States authorized by the Department of State to issue an IDP.
AAA Trip Canvas Tips: For travelers who want to visit popular European cities but can't decide which one, check out these tours that cover multiple destinations.
Treasures of Europe
London and Paris
Italian views
Netherlands, Belgium and France
The best of Ireland and Scotland
Staying safe during your trip
While you experience the fun and relaxation of a spring break trip, it is important to think about safety during your trip and protect your home and belongings until you return.
Tips for Protecting Your Home While You're Away
Give your home a lived-in look. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop mail delivery, and have your lawn mowed.
Invest in an effective burglar alarm which, when triggered, alerts the police and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent for possible discounts on alarm systems.
Ask a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
Even though the vacation is exciting, try not to talk about it on social media until you return; someone can see your posts and target your house while you're away.
Create a home inventory. In the event that you need to file a claim, preparing an inventory of your belongings beforehand will make the process easier.
Check your insurance policy to make sure you have the coverage you need in the event of theft or damage to your property.
Tips to keep you and your belongings safe during your trip
Travel is a personal choice. To ensure safety and security, AAA encourages destination research, especially when traveling outside the country.
Check the U.S. Department of State's advisory level for the specific region where you will be traveling.
Register with the Department of State STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) before departure, which lets the United States know where you are going and send you security updates.
Book your trip with reputable travel providers and work with a travel agent who can tailor the trip that suits you best, book all the details, and handle rescheduling in the event of a delay or cancellation.
Share your itinerary with family or friends.
Stay alert at all times during your trip.
Protect your hotel room, valuables and important travel documents. Use your room or hotel safes or safes, 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 champions the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to providing exceptional highway service for more than 100 years. AAA is a joint stock company working on behalf of motorists, who can plot directions, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book hotels and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information about joining or renewing a membership, visit www.AAA.com.
