2024 is already proving to be a busy year for travel with travelers heading around the globe. The upcoming school break is no exception. Seven of the top eight destinations for February break among local travelers are outside the United States according to AAA bookings. International travel returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and AAA is now seeing more people planning bucket list trips as far out as 2026. 

Here are the top destinations for area travelers from Western and Central New York based on AAA bookings from February 17 through February 25: 
 
1.    Caribbean cruises  
2.    Orlando
3.    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
4.    Aruba
5.    Jamaica
6.    Sydney, Australia (cruise)
7.    Madrid
8.    Cancun

No matter the holiday, Orlando is typically the number one destination, but this year Caribbean cruising takes the top spot. Travelers enjoy the inclusive nature of cruising that offers meals, entertainment, activities, and multiple destinations all in one trip. This year’s cruise trends show that travelers are customizing their cruising experiences to meet their unique wants and needs. AAA Travel finds that smaller ships for adventure, solo trips, and splurge-worthy suites are some of the biggest trends for 2024. Of course, there’s also a lot of interest in the world’s newest and largest cruise ship - Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. AAA Travel has seen a spike in early bookings of balcony cabins and luxury suites. These prime categories are selling out faster than before, so travelers looking to splurge on their next cruise vacation should book well in advance. The first quarter of the year is known as Wave Season when most cruise lines offer discount pricing and special deals.

Other top destinations include warm weather and beaches. Many families take advantage of mid-winter break from area school districts to escape the cold for a week. With plenty of gray skies and rollercoaster weather across the Western and Central New York region, it’s no surprise that travelers are seeking warmer climates! 

While many travelers are choosing international getaways, others will take road trips. For travelers who are driving to destinations, Florida and Myrtle Beach are the top requests for maps and road trip information from AAA Western and Central New York. Next month, those requests are likely to expand to include the Outer Banks and Hilton Head. Other road trippers are staying closer to home and taking a long weekend for the President’s Day holiday – ski resorts, Niagara Falls, and New York City are always popular at this time of year.

From family vacations to couples retreats to spring break fun here in the U.S. or around the globe, AAA, the foremost authority in travel, is the premier choice for vacations. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Travel.