AAA Central Penn reports top destinations for Central PA Spring Break travelers plus tips for peace of mind
While Spring Break isn’t an official holiday, many families make traveling between mid-March and April an annual tradition. And with Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, AAA Central Penn travel booking data shows many Central Pennsylvania Spring Break travelers are eager to depart for warmer weather, with Florida ranking as a top destination and cruise bookings up 10% over last year.
Flocking to Florida
The Sunshine State dominates during this time of year. AAA travel booking data reports that Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa are among the top 10 most popular domestic Spring Break destinations. This holds true regionally, too, as AAA Central Penn reports that Florida is a top Spring Break destination for Central Pennsylvanians.
“With top-tier theme parks, white-sand beaches, extensive resort-style hotel options and a reliably warm climate, Florida has something for everyone,” said AAA Central Penn Vice President of Travel Allison Villasenor. “Orlando is the top destination for families, while Key West and Miami are popular with relaxation seekers and cruise travelers.”
Cruising Towards Warmer Weather
Ocean cruising is setting records this year as AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will take cruise vacations in 2026. Many families book cruises over Spring Break to get the most out of the week, with Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas being the most popular. AAA Central Penn reports that bookings for cruises by Central Pennsylvania travelers are up over 10% from 2025. No-fly cruises leaving ports in New York and New Jersey are also notably popular among Central Pennsylvania travelers.
“These close-to-home cruise options allow for all the benefits of cruising without adding airfare and additional travel logistics,” Villasenor said.
Domestic and International Destinations
AAA Central Penn reports that travelers to other domestic and international destinations can expect to pay slightly less for airfare. Economy class tickets have trended down 7.16% for international routes and down 3.51% for domestic travel compared to 2025, making this year one of the best-value spring travel seasons in recent years.
According to AAA Central Penn, international destinations that are gaining popularity for 2026 include Japan, France, Italy and England. The 250th anniversary of the United States is also prompting more travelers to explore domestically. National Parks, California and Alaska are favorites for Central Pennsylvania travelers, AAA Central Penn reports.
For those traveling by road, AAA members can save at the pump over Spring Break by signing up for Shell Fuel Rewards®. Members who register now through April 30 will save 35 cents per gallon off their first fill at participating Shell stations, and all AAA Fuel Rewards members will save 10 cents per gallon during that time period, which is an additional 5 cents per gallon off compared to the standard Fuel Rewards discount.
Peace of Mind
AAA has the following advice for travelers who are heading overseas for Spring Break.
Enroll in STEP: Before departing for your trip, enroll in the State Department’s STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) which allows the U.S. to know where you’re going and send you security updates during your stay.
Consider Travel Insurance: Consider obtaining travel insurance before an international trip but work with a trusted travel agent who can walk you through the policy details and answer questions about what is and isn’t included in case of an emergency. Acts of war are generally excluded from most travel insurance policies. This is why speaking with a travel agent is crucial before purchasing a plan.
Prepare for the Airport: Before heading to the airport, check the status of your flight. Give yourself plenty of time to go through security in case of delays at TSA checkpoints. When returning to the U.S., consider downloading the Mobile Passport Control app which is free to use and helps expedite the customs process at most major U.S. airports.
Remain Vigilant, Stay Informed: During your trip, always remain vigilant and monitor updates from local media and the U.S. Embassy. Social media is a great way to stay connected and watch for urgent alerts. If you’re concerned or have questions ahead of a trip, AAA travel agents can help with cancelations and changes, and offer you options for alternative destinations.
