WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — 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 Bbeak 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 splashy start in 2024 with soldout 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.

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.

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.

Planning ahead is key when traveling internationally, and that includes reserving airport parking well in advance. If you plan to drive at your destination, don’t forget to obtain an International Driving Permit 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.