Anaheim/Los Angeles No. 7 Spring Break Destination

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Families enjoy fun-filled days at Anaheim, a top spring break destination.

News Summary

As spring approaches, California’s Anaheim/Los Angeles region has secured the 7th position in popular spring break destinations, according to AAA. Despite Florida taking the top spots, California shines as a favored choice for travelers. The average travel costs are rising, with airfare and hotel prices increasing. Popular travel spots like Maui and Long Beach are gaining traction. Booking flights early and being strategic on travel days may help save costs, making spring break accessible for many.

California’s Anaheim/Los Angeles Region Makes the Cut for Spring Break Travelers

As spring approaches, the buzz around travel plans is reaching new heights, and guess what? California’s very own Anaheim/Los Angeles region has snagged the 7th spot in the rankings for the most popular spring break destinations! According to travel aficionados over at AAA, California is shining bright as one of the top choices for college students and families alike.

Florida Still Dominates the Scene

While California holds its own, the Sunshine State remains the reigning champion of spring break hotspots. Florida’s Orlando comes in at an impressive 1st place, with Fort Lauderdale and Miami following close behind at 2nd and 4th spots, respectively. It’s clear to see the sunshine allure is hard to beat, but it’s great to know that California is right up there among the favorites!

Rising Travel Costs: Get Ready to Budget

On the flip side, if you’re planning a getaway, you’ll want to keep an eye on those travel costs. The average price for roundtrip airfare is hitting around $820 for domestic flights, marking a 7% rise compared to last year. If you’re considering an international adventure, brace yourself for an average of $1,440, which has risen by 2% since last year. Yikes!

The cost of a place to stay isn’t looking much friendlier either. Expect to shell out an average of $660 for a hotel in the U.S., an 8% increase from last year. On the bright side, if your travels take you abroad, hotel stays have actually gotten a tad cheaper at an average of $740, which is 4% less than the previous year.

What About Rentals and Cruises?

Thinking about renting a car? A domestic booking costs about $645, which is pretty stable compared to last year. However, international rentals come in a bit cheaper at around $615—that’s a 5% decrease. Cruise lovers should be cautious, as domestic cruise prices have skyrocketed by 27%. Even international cruises are feeling the pinch, increasing by 3%.

Hot Spots for Spring Break Travel

For those still on the fence about where to go, don’t overlook Maui, Hawaii! This gorgeous destination has seen the most flight searches for spring break, zooming up by 22% compared to last year. Even right here in California, Long Beach is gaining popularity with an 11% increase in flight inquiries. And if international travel is on your mind, Santiago de los Caballeros and Tulum, Mexico are trending with search increases of 44% and 43%, respectively.

Plan Ahead for the Best Deals

Travel experts are dishing out some helpful tips—if you book your domestic flights 3-4 weeks in advance, you’re likely to land a better deal. Keep in mind that prices can skyrocket up to 40% during the Easter holidays, so planning ahead can really save you some cash!

For budget-minded travelers, choosing to depart on a Monday or Tuesday is a good strategy, as these days often feature lower flight and hotel prices. Spring break typically lasts a week or two for college students, aligning closely with the first official day of spring on March 20, 2025, which many are already marking on their calendars.

The Spring Break Tradition

Spring break has a fascinating history! It all started back in the 1930s, inspired by a swim coach who took teams to Florida for training. The 1960s saw a massive boom in popularity, as students flocked to Fort Lauderdale and Panama City. But, not every spot has it easy—Panama City has faced challenges with rowdy behavior, leading to measures like alcohol restrictions and curfews during the spring break rush.

So, whether you’re planning a sunny escape to Anaheim, a wild week in Florida, or venturing overseas, don’t let the rising costs deter your travel dreams. Pack those bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for some spring break fun!