Spring break is almost here and travelers will be flocking to places where they can get some sun. AAA Travel booking data reveals top destinations and trends as spring breakers prepare to travel throughout March and April. AAA says beaches, warm weather destinations, theme parks and cruising are the most popular for spring break 2026. AAA also offers tips to keep the vacation worry-free.
“Travel is a very personal choice, and for many, it’s vital to their overall quality of life. By taking some precautions, everyone can feel more at ease throughout the journey,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Theme parks in Southern California and Florida are perennial favorites for families during spring break. The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Knotts Berry Farm are popular in the Los Angeles area. Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with special shows and new additions to attractions. And in Florida, The Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando are top destinations.
Cruising continues to set records this year. 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.
Top international destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho include Paris, Rome, Tokyo, London and Barcelona. These cities appeal to families looking for history and entertainment. Good news for travelers planning to drive abroad: you can now apply for International Driving Permits online! AAA is one of only two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. While you can still apply in person at a AAA branch, you now have the option to use your smartphone to take a digital photo and complete the application online. Many countries require IDPs to rent a car and drive legally.
Many will take a road trip this Spring Break. Oregonians will be visiting Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, Eugene, Southern Oregon, and Boise. La Verkin, UT is popular for its proximity to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The busiest car rental destinations are Orlando, Los Angeles and Phoenix, according to AAA rental car partner Hertz.
AAA members can save at the pump over Spring Break by signing up for Shell Fuel Rewards®. Members who register between March 9 and April 30 will get 35¢/gallon off their first fill at participating Shell stations, and all AAA Fuel Rewards members will save 10¢/gallon during that time period, which is an additional 5¢/gallon compared to the standard Fuel Rewards discount.
AAA offers many other tips on how to save on fuel here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/
Costs to fly for Spring Break in the U.S. are up 2% this year compared to 2025. AAA says the average price for a roundtrip domestic ticket is $815. International flights are slightly cheaper this year, with the average price for a roundtrip ticket at $1,300.
“Spring break is a perfect time to chase the sun and shake off the winter doldrums. Sandy beaches, inviting pools and sunny skies are among the most popular escapes this time of year. International cities are popular for culture, sightseeing and great restaurants, often with mild spring weather,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Tips for those flying during Spring Break:
- Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport
- Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Security lines may be longer than usual due to the increase in travelers and/or fewer TSA agents due to the partial government shutdown. You can check wait times at many airports with the My TSA app. Find out more at https://www.dhs.gov/check-wait-times. Visit https://www.flypdx.com/ to see current wait times at the Portland International Airport.
- Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck before your trip. However, even these expedited security check-in lanes will be busier than usual.
- Avoid checking a bag if possible. Bring all medications in your carry-on bag, as well as snacks and a change of clothes. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bag gets lost or delayed.
- Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Most airlines have limited meal offerings. Some airlines let you pre-order food for your flight.
Peace of mind while traveling:
AAA has the following advice for travelers who are heading overseas for Spring Break.
Enroll in STEP
Before departing for any international 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.
Remain vigilant, stay informed
During your trip, always remain vigilant and monitor updates from local media and the U.S. Embassy. Social media is also a great way to stay connected. 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.
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.
AAA to the rescue this Spring Break
AAA is ready to provide roadside assistance during spring break with the most common issues being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires.
- AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), app or online—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.
- Make sure your car is road-trip ready. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
- Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger and/or charging cable, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets.
- Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.
Gas prices on the rise for spring break:
This is the time of year that we typically see seasonal increases in gas prices, and this year, the conflict in Iran and the Middle East is causing gas prices to soar due to skyrocketing crude oil prices. Anytime crude oil prices spike, gas prices go up as well.
Other factors that cause prices to rise this time of year include refinery maintenance, the switch to summer-blend fuel, and an increase in demand for gas.
Gas prices are more expensive this year for spring break compared to last year. Last year in mid-March, the national average for regular gas was $3.08 and the Oregon average was $3.72.
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find news releases on Oregon gas prices here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/
