AAA Unveils #1 Winter Sun Destination for Americans in the Winter of 2025-26

AAA’s latest travel forecast confirms that Cancun has become the most popular international destination winter sun destination for American travelers this seasondriven by a record increase in vacation travel plans and strong consumer demand for warm-weather escapes. The new data reflects both booking patterns and broader travel trends for the end-of-year holiday season that runs from late December to early January.

Record travel volumes expected

According to AAA’s end-of-year forecast, an unprecedented event 122.4 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the 13-day holiday period from December 20 to January 1A An increase of 2.2% compared to last year’s record. This confirms the continued strength of U.S. travel demand, even in the face of rising prices and seasonal challenges.

AAA travel analysts highlight the mix of motivations behind this growth: family reunions, post-pandemic reconnection and a clear preference for sunny winter holidays. The booking details are displayed international beach destinations dominate this year’s leisure travel choiceswith Cancun leading the way.

Cancun tops the charts

Cancun stands out as the No. 1 international destination for Americans this winterand beats out other famous warm-weather options like Punta Cana and Aruba. This is not the result of a single data source; both AAA and supplemental booking analytics indicate that Cancun’s combination of accessibility, resort variety and climate is attracting American travelers in greater numbers than any other international location this season.

AAA’s booking patterns show a strong preference for the Mexican Caribbean, where Cancun International Airport, extensive hotel options and proximity to other Riviera Maya attractions make it especially attractive to travelers seeking a tropical vacation. Cancun’s appeal seems to particularly resonate with American travelers looking for a warm-weather retreat that’s easy to get to and familiar in experience.

‘When Americans decide to chase winter sun, they overwhelmingly choose Cancun’ noted local travel observers, reflecting on both AAA data and tourism trends on the ground. This observation is consistent with the broader sentiment that Cancun has become the favored choice among Caribbean winter vacation destinations.

What this means for travelers

Booking activity in Cancun is noticeably high, with flight capacities and hotel inventories shrinking as peak season approaches. Given the popularity of the destination, many resorts and flights sell out quickly for key winter datesand higher rates often apply for remaining availability.

The spike in demand is not limited to international travel. Domestic warm-weather destinations such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Florida also feature prominently on AAA’s top lists, underscoring a broader pattern: Americans are choosing to trade cold winter climates for beaches and sunshine, both abroad and at home.

Traveler behavior and trends
AAA’s forecast reveals notable behavioral trends among American leisure travelers:

• Road trips continue to dominate travel modewith almost 89% of leisure travelers expected to drive, reflecting an ongoing preference for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Air traffic remains robustwith more than 8 million Americans expected to fly domestically – the first time ever that holiday flight volume has exceeded this threshold.
• Hot destinations like Cancun are especially popular for their reliable weather and range of vacation options, from all-inclusive packages to cultural and adventure excursions.

The number 1 practical tip for your trip to Cancun

Travel experts recommend booking early and planning logistics in advance, especially given heavier airport traffic and rising demand during peak holiday periods. Efficient arrival scheduling and flexible accommodations can help travelers make the most of Cancun’s sunny beaches and party atmosphere.