Top 10 places to travel for spring break
The spring break season is underway and not surprisingly, warm weather destinations top the list of where travelers plan their escape.
Three Florida cities are among AAA's 10 Most Popular Destinations for the month of March, based on air and tour bookings made with the travel agency. Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale top the list, while Miami is eight. Other popular destinations include Honolulu, Cancun, Maui and Montego Bay.
AAA's Top 10 Spring Break Destinations:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
5. Cancun, Mexico
6. Anaheim, California
7. Kahului, Hawaii (Maui)
8. Miami, Florida
9. Phoenix, Arizona
10. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Florida is a popular spring break destination for people traveling with family or friends, said Vicky Evans of AAA, pointing to the warm weather, beaches and other attractions. She added that after last year's hurricanes struck the Eastern Caribbean, travelers turned to Hawaii and Mexico as alternatives.
The Eastern Caribbean has recovered and there are incentives to get people back into that region.
A recent Consumer Pulse survey of people in Illinois, who are planning a vacation this month revealed:
• 44 percent of Illinois travelers will take a spring break of three days or more.
• 36 percent will travel with family.
• 8 percent will travel with friends.
• 55 percent of Illinois millennials will take a spring break vacation of three days or more.
• 42 percent of millennials will travel with family.
•13 percent of millennials will travel with friends.
"Spring break is not just for college kids who want to party on the beach," Evans said. "This is often the first chance of the year when the entire family can take a break and go somewhere together. The popularity of this time of year leads to reduced availability and higher prices, but using a trusted travel adviser can be beneficial in finding options to meet your needs."